India, US issue travel advisories for Lebanon citing security concerns – Times of India

NEW DELHI: As the security situation in Lebanon remains precarious and unpredictable, India and the United States have issued strong travel advisories, cautioning their citizens to reconsider their travel plans to the country. Russia has also advised its nationals to avoid traveling to Lebanon until the situation in the southern region stabilizes.

The Indian Embassy in Lebanon has urged all Indian nationals to stay alert and maintain contact with the embassy, stating, “In view of the current situation in Lebanon, all Indian nationals in Lebanon are advised to exercise caution and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through our Email address: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or through emergency helpline number +961-76860128.”

The US Embassy in Lebanon has also warned its citizens about the complex and rapidly changing security environment, strongly advising against travel to Lebanon, particularly to the southern regions, the Lebanon-Syria border area, and refugee settlements. The embassy emphasized the importance of staying informed about local developments and being aware of one’s surroundings.

The escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon have been attributed to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent military campaign by Israel in Gaza. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon, has been launching missiles, mortars, and drones into Israel, prompting retaliatory fire from the Israeli side.

The heightened tensions have led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border, as fears grow about the potential outbreak of another full-scale war in the region.