The British Embassy in Beirut issued a warning to its citizens not to travel to Lebanon, and asked them to leave immediately, with the escalation of events in the south, against the backdrop of the war between Israel and Gaza.
The embassy said in a post on X: “The advice now is not to travel to Lebanon.”
She added, “If you are already in Lebanon, we urge you to leave now, with commercial flights available.”
She continued, “If you are a British citizen in Lebanon, please register your attendance, which includes registering your contact information.”
She stressed that “events in Lebanon are accelerating, and the situation is likely to deteriorate quickly and without warning.”
She pointed out that “commercial flights outside Lebanon could be severely disrupted or canceled at short notice, and roads may be closed throughout the country.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised “against travel to Lebanon due to the risks” associated with the war between Israel and Gaza.
For his part, the head of Beirut International Airport, Fadi Al-Hassan, said in a television interview on Thursday, “We were not informed from any airline except Lufthansa that flights were suspended, and that the movement of departures from Lebanon is still at the same pace as it was before October 7, or an increase of only 10%.” “.
He added, “The talk about transferring documents, files, and equipment out of Beirut Airport is completely incorrect,” stressing that “five Middle East Airlines planes were transferred, as part of precautionary measures for any escalation to Turkish airports.”
Clashes continue using mortar shells, artillery, air strikes and guided missiles between Hezbollah and the Israeli army on the border between the two countries, at a time when deaths and injuries have been recorded on both sides.
The ministry explained that “tensions are high and events may escalate without warning, which may affect or limit exit routes from Lebanon.”
She noted, “There is also a risk of unrest. There were large protests outside embassies, including outside the US and French embassies on October 17. More protests are expected. British citizens should be careful and avoid areas where demonstrations may take place.” .
She confirmed, “Due to the security situation, family members of employees at the British Embassy have been temporarily withdrawn. The embassy continues essential work, including providing services to British citizens.”
During the evening hours, the Lebanese-Israeli border witnessed accelerating security tensions, the latest of which was the exchange of artillery shelling between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, in the western sector near the sites of Ras al-Naqoura and Jal al-Alam on the outskirts of the border town of Naqoura, as well as on the outskirts of the towns of al-Dhahira, Ramia, and Aita al-Shaab, according to To write to Al Hurra.
Also in the eastern sector, there was an exchange of artillery and missile shelling at the heights of the Shebaa Farms and the Kafr Shuba hills, with deaths and injuries continuing to be recorded on both sides. In the morning, a cautious calm prevailed along the border strip, according to the correspondent.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said: “At night, the Israeli Defense Forces launched raids on Hezbollah military targets on the border with Lebanon. Among the targets was an observation point towards the sea from which anti-tank missiles were launched.”
2023-10-19 08:35:14
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