Iran, proxy militias threaten US universities in Lebanon as Americans urged to flee now
Officials said Iran and proxy terrorist militias issued targeted threats against universities across the Middle East
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Iran and its proxy terrorist militias have issued targeted threats against universities in Lebanon, U.S. officials said, as the State Department warns Americans to get out now while commercial flights are still available.
Officials said Iran has "specifically threatened" American universities across the Middle East.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut described the security situation in Lebanon as "volatile and unpredictable."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Airstrikes, drones and rocket attacks occur throughout the country, especially in the south, the Beqaa, and parts of Beirut," officials wrote in a security alert.
Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike hits a building near the airport road in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday. (Hussein Malla/AP)
STATE DEPARTMENT URGES AMERICANS TO LEAVE MIDDLE EAST AS AIRSPACE CLOSURES DISRUPT TRAVEL
The State Department urged U.S. citizens in the country to depart Lebanon while commercial flight options remain available.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The U.S. Embassy in Beirut added that it strongly encourages U.S. citizens in southern Lebanon, near the border with Syria, in refugee settlements, and in the southern suburbs of Beirut — including Dahiyeh — to depart those areas immediately.
"We recommend that U.S. citizens in Lebanon who choose not to leave prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate further," according to the State Department.
A man rides a scooter past a burned tree and charred debris after an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday. (Hassan Ammar/AP)
HEZBOLLAH, IRAN UNLEASH COORDINATED CLUSTER BOMB STRIKES ON ISRAEL IN MAJOR ESCALATION
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Commercial flights are currently being offered by Middle East Airlines, operating out of Beirut Rafic Hariri airport.
Officials said Americans should strongly consider departing on one of the flights "if they believe it is safe to do so."
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is providing limited passport services on an emergency basis to U.S. citizens.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An excavator clears debris at the site of an Israeli strike March 18 in the Zuqaq al-Blat district of central Beirut, Lebanon. (Khalil Ashawi/Reuters)
All routine consular services, including visa operations, are suspended until further notice.
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Those who have plans to travel to Lebanon should cancel them, officials said.