U.S. Embassy Renews Lebanon Travel Warning, Citing Safety Concerns

The U.S. Department of State issued a new travel warning advisory to Lebanon over ongoing safety and security concerns, citing reports saying that future suicide bombing targets allegedly include Casino du Liban in Jounieh and Le Royal hotel in Dbayeh.

According to a statement issued by the embassy: “The development serves as an important reminder of the ongoing security concerns in Lebanon - even in areas which are normally considered less dangerous.”

The statement lauded the “important successes” accomplished by the Lebanese security forces to prevent suicide attacks.

However, the embassy urged U.S. citizens in Lebanon to “exercise heightened security awareness... and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security.”

U.S. citizens were urged not to travel to Lebanon due to “safety and security concerns.”

The embassy urged U.S. nationals in Lebanon to monitor developments through the media.

“U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks,” the statement said, stressing that the ability of U.S. government personnel to reach travelers to provide emergency services may be limited.

It called on U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Lebanon to enroll in the Department of Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact nationals in an emergency.

Media reports said on Friday that investigations with detained suspects revealed that militants were plotting to target Casino du Liban, Le Royal hotel and other major facilities.

Al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front was plotting to attack the casino with a car bomb loaded with explosives and driven by Elie Warraq, who has been recently arrested.

Warraq, a Christian who has converted to Islam, was plotting to enter the Casino with his ID and carry out the bombing but he failed to do so over logistic difficulties.

On his ID, Warraq remained a Christian hailing from northern Lebanon.

The army said last week that it had thwarted a plan to implement a series of suicide attacks and arrested three people including Warraq, who was going by the name "Abu Ali."

Reports said that the army has so far arrested several would-be suicide bombers and instigators, and is pursuing a gang of four men suspected of plotting attacks.

Most of the booby-trapped vehicles that the militants are planning to use in the bombings are coming from the Syrian Qalamoun region that lies near Lebanon's eastern border with Syria, they said.