Warden Message

29 May 2007

The U.S. Embassy wishes to advise Americans that Fatah al-Islam has renewed its threat of attacks against Western-associated locations in Lebanon.  In addition, similar credible threats have been made by the militant group Jund al-Sham and Al-Qaeda.  The Embassy strongly urges Americans residing in Lebanon to review their planned movements and to remain vigilant during this time.  American citizens should also carefully assess the need to visit popular gathering spots or other public places where large numbers of people gather.  Ongoing fighting between Lebanese security forces and Fatah al-Islam militants in Tripoli and around the Nahr el-Bared Palestinian camp in Northern Lebanon has the potential to spark related violence.  Americans should avoid the Tripoli region and we urge any remaining Americans in the area to depart if they have not yet done so.     

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov/, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Lebanon. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However, American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the Embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209.  Website:  http://lebanon.usembassy.gov/.