BEIRUT —As tensions grow in the Middle East, the U.S. State Department has increased their alerts to Americans.
Late Sunday, the U.S. State Department alert said, " U.S. citizens who wish to depart Lebanon should leave now, due to the unpredictable security situation."
"There are still commercial flights available, but there is reduced capacity. Please check flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (https://beirutairport.gov.lb)."
If you need a financial assistance loan from the U.S. government to purchase tickets on a flight to depart Lebanon, or are interested in receiving messages from the U.S. Department of State, please complete this crisis intake form (https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake). Do not fill out this form if you have already completed it – we have your information, and duplicate requests delay our response. Security Alert
On October 19, U.S. State Department released a rare “Worldwide Travel Alert” stating that American citizens should exercise increased caution around the world due to increasing tensions in various locations and the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.
Click here for additional details from the U.S. State Department
In addition, the FBI is continuing to monitor threats both in the United States and overseas. As the conflict continues, the FBI has seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions, according to a statement from the agency.
"We take all potential threats seriously and are working closely with our law enforcement partners to determine their credibility, share information, and take appropriate investigative action. As always, we encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement. "
"FBI field offices across the country are communicating not just with our law enforcement partners but also with faith-based organizations and the private sector, among others. To help keep our communities safe, we are talking with leaders of all faiths, including Jewish and Muslim leaders, sharing information, and asking them to let us know if they see anything concerning."
"Through our Legal Attaché office in Tel Aviv, we are working with our Israeli and U.S. Embassy partners to identify all Americans who have been impacted in the region, including those who remain unaccounted for, and our victim services specialists are working closely with victims and their families here and abroad."