US Embassy in Lebanon warns of threat
Updated: 2008-03-07 11:12
BEIRUT, Lebanon -- The US Embassy in Beirut said Thursday that it is concerned that militant groups may be planning attacks against American citizens and interests in Lebanon.
The statement was the latest in a series of messages urging US citizens to be vigilant. It called on Americans visiting or living in Lebanon to "maintain a low profile in public" and avoid predictable behavior.
|
|
"There is a general concern that extremist groups may be planning to attack US citizens and interests in Lebanon. The US Embassy urges US citizens who live, work, or are traveling in Lebanon to exercise responsible security practices," it said.
The statement comes amid sectarian tensions and a political deadlock in Lebanon - the worst since the 1975-90 civil war. It also follows the deployment last week of US warships off the coast of Lebanon in a show of strength during a period of tension with Syria, which the US blames for the Lebanese impasse.
The ships' deployment sparked criticism from the militant Hezbollah and other pro-Syrian groups in Lebanon, who are locked in a political standoff with the pro-US government of Fuad Saniora. Syria also criticized the deployment.
"Since February 28, there has been coverage in the Lebanese media of the presence of US Navy vessels in international waters of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. US Navy ships in the Mediterranean are there in support of our commitment to regional stability," the embassy statement said.
On Jan. 15, a US Embassy SUV was targeted in an explosion killing three passers-by and wounding 26 others on a north Beirut highway. The armor-plated vehicle was damaged and its Lebanese driver was lightly injured.
The US embassy has maintained travel limits on its personnel since mid-February and has been telling Americans here in recent advisories to exercise caution because of security conditions.
|
|
|
||
|
||
|
|
|
|