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US embassy in Beirut urges Americans to leave Lebanon amid Israeli aggression
The embassy said that certain tourist destinations could be targeted, urging citizens to avoid protests and large gatherings.
US embassy in Beirut urges Americans to leave Lebanon amid Israeli aggression
The advisory was issued on the eve of US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel that are set to be held on Thursday. (FILE) / Reuters

The US Embassy in Beirut has urged American citizens in Lebanon to leave, citing "complex" security environment that "can change quickly."

"We urge US citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial flight options remain available," the embassy said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We recommend that US citizens in Lebanon who choose not to leave prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and to monitor the news for breaking developments," it added.

"There are ongoing risks of terrorism and kidnapping throughout Lebanon," the mission warned.

Places commonly visited by US citizens and tourists in Beirut and across Lebanon "may become a target for these attacks," the embassy added, calling on US citizens to avoid protests and large gatherings.

Fragile truce

The statement came after Wednesday's exchange of fire between the Israeli army and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

The escalation came despite a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which commenced on Friday.

The truce was intended to halt Israel's expanded attacks on Lebanon, which have killed 2,294 people, wounded 7,544, and displaced more than 1 million since March 2.

The advisory was issued on the eve of US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel that are set to be held on Thursday.

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SOURCE:AA