The United States State Department on Monday issued a warning about traveling to Lebanon and said it has increased security conditions for American diplomats in the capital of Beirut.
"The increase in tensions in the Middle East has prompted a dramatic rise in anti-US rhetoric and public sentiment," according to a state department statement.
It said bombings directed at US-linked businesses and the murder of an American citizen in Sidon "underscore" the need for Americans to be cautious with regards to their movements and security when going to Lebanon.
"The US government considers the potential threat to US government personnel assigned to Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under a strict security regime," the department said. Embassy staff movements are limited in several parts of Lebanon, AFP reported.
US airlines are prohibited from using Beirut airport due to security concerns and Lebanon's Middle East Airlines is not allowed to run flights to the United States. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
