3 weeks ago
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The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is encouraging Americans to leave the country as soon as possible after last week’s wave of pager attacks killed dozens and wounded thousands, raising international concerns.
Officials on the ground in the Lebanese capital are warning citizens abroad to consider every viable option to evacuate the country as it exchanges strikes with Israel. In an official statement on Tuesday, the embassy noted “most airlines have suspended or canceled flights, and many flights have sold out” but that “limited commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon still remain available.”
The group pointed to available flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, "even if that flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route.”
Pagers and walkie talkies, used by members of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, began exploding last week. Leaders of the group pointed to Israel, retaliating with missiles late last week. Israel has engaged in an aerial offensive in Lebanon as well.
The attacks, which American officials declared to have no knowledge of, have sparked a mass evacuation of tens of thousands according to NBC News.
The U.S. Embassy is offering financial assistance to purchase departing tickets via repatriation loans. They recommend that U.S. citizens who choose not to depart Lebanon prepare for emergencies and to shelter in place for an extended period of time, directing those in crisis to contact the Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizen Services.
However, they say citizens should not rely on the government for assisted departure or evacuation. Those who are moved will be expected to reimburse the government for transportation to a safe location.
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