Warden Message
June 1, 2007
On June 1, fighting intensified between Lebanese security forces and Fatah al-Islam militants in the Nahr el-Bared Palestinian camp in Northern Lebanon. The potential for related violence is high and the U.S. Embassy urges Americans in Lebanon to limit their movements in the coming days. We remind American citizens that Fatah al-Islam, the militant group Jund al-Sham, and Al-Qaeda have issued credible threats of attacks against Western-affiliated targets in Lebanon. The Embassy strongly urges Americans residing in Lebanon to avoid popular gathering spots or other public places where large numbers of people gather. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut continues to operate normally. All non-essential travel, however, by official Americans from the embassy compound is restricted as we assess security conditions. We urge Americans residing in Lebanon to maintain a high level of alertness and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
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/.
