The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry on Thursday tightened its travel advisory for Lebanon and now recommends against travelling to the country.
The update comes after Israel shelled southern Lebanon on Wednesday following rocket attacks by the Islamist militant group Hezbollah.
Lithuanian citizens who are in Lebanon are advised to take precautions, such as staying in hotels, homes or other safe places, avoiding windows, and carrying essential supplies, the ministry said in a press release.
As the security situation in the country, especially on the border with Israel, is rapidly changing, it is necessary to remain vigilant and follow the news and local authorities’ advice, and keep in mind that it will be more difficult to leave Lebanon if the situation deteriorates, it said.
The ministry recommends against travel to the following dangerous areas: the border areas with Israel, especially south of the Litani River, southern Beirut, Tripoli (Trablous), the northern part of the Beqaa Valley, and the Hermel region, Palestinian refugee camps, and the border zone with Syria. The danger also persists in the remaining parts of Beirut, Sidon (Saida), and the southern part of the Beqaa Valley.
“If you are currently in Lebanon or still plan to travel there, please register immediately by completing a travel registration form so that we can contact you for consular assistance if needed,” it said.
The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday updated its travel advisory for Israel and Palestine to ”do not travel”.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel last Saturday, invading its territory and firing rockets. Israel retaliated with strikes on Gaza. Hundreds have been killed on both sides of the conflict.
As Israel and Palestinian armed groups continued fighting in the blockaded Gaza Strip near Israel’s southern border, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah announced earlier on Wednesday that it had fired rockets into Israel.
Source: BNS
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