US allows some embassy staffers to leave Lebanon

Washington, Jul 14: The US State Department authorised families of its embassy staff in Lebanon to leave and urged Americans to avoid travel into the country because of escalating violence between Israel and the Lebanese guerrilla group Hizbollah.

The State Department yesterday also authorised the departure of some embassy workers after a series of intense Israeli strikes virtually isolated Lebanon by air, sea and land in retaliation for Hizbollah's capture of two Israeli soldiers.

''American citizens are urged to evaluate their personal security posture and consider departing in light of the current situation in Lebanon,'' the State Department warning said.

The warning also urged American citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon.

''In light of the events of July 12 in Southern Lebanon and the resulting escalation in tensions in Lebanon, including the closure of Beirut International Airport and the Port of Beirut, American citizens are urged to avoid nonessential travel in Lebanon,'' the statement said.

REUTERS

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