BEIRUT. As regional tensions escalate, multiple countries have issued urgent advisories for their citizens to leave Lebanon. The US, UK, and France are among the nations urging immediate departure amid fears of a broader Middle Eastern conflict.
The US Embassy in Lebanon has advised its citizens to “book any ticket available to them,” reflecting heightened concerns over safety. Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the urgency, stating, “leave now” in his message to British nationals. France also recommended that its citizens “make arrangements to leave Lebanon as soon as possible,” according to a statement from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The recent surge in tensions follows Iran’s vow of revenge against Israel, which it accuses of orchestrating the assassination of Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran earlier this week. The death of Haniyeh occurred shortly after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed Fu’ad Shukr, Hezbollah’s senior military commander. These incidents have intensified fears that Israel’s prolonged conflict in Gaza could expand into a regional war.
Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, is expected to play a significant role in any retaliatory actions. The militant group has been engaged in frequent exchanges of fire with Israel, including a recent incident where Hezbollah launched 30 projectiles, most of which were intercepted.
In response to the escalating situation, airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, and Kuwaiti Airlines have canceled flights to and from Lebanon, while others have diverted their routes. The US has bolstered its presence in the region by deploying a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and additional warships—a significant increase in military activity aimed at deterring further regional conflict.
Jordan, which was involved in downing Iranian drones in April following a suspected Israeli attack, has also issued a travel warning. The Foreign Minister of Jordan is set to visit Tehran on Sunday for discussions on bilateral and regional issues.
In Israel, preparations for potential escalation are underway. The Israeli government has advised citizens to stock up on supplies and ensure that bomb shelters are ready, emphasizing that residents should be able to reach shelters within 90 seconds.
The situation remains fluid as the region braces for potential further developments.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
