Extraordinary Security Measures Near Diplomatic Missions over Syria Strike Fears
The Lebanese Armed Forces have taken exceptional security measures around several diplomatic missions over fears of reprisal attacks in response to a possible U.S. military action in Syria, informed sources said.
The sources told An Nahar daily published on Saturday that both security agencies and the army took the measures around the missions to thwart a possible attack after several threats were made against the U.S. embassy and other European delegations.
The U.S. embassy in Beirut said Friday that its non-essential staff and family members are being evacuated from Lebanon because of "threats to U.S. mission facilities and personnel."
The Department of State urged U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon “because of current safety and security concerns,” noting that “U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks.”
Shortly after the announcement, about 150 people gathered for a protest near the U.S. embassy compound in Awkar north of Beirut. Police kept the protesters confined to a square on the road leading to the heavily fortified embassy.
The protection of diplomatic missions was a topic of discussion among the members of the Higher Defense Council which convened at Baabda palace under President Michel Suleiman on Friday.
Council members were briefed by the security and military officials on the measures aimed at protecting civil peace and fighting terrorism to confront plots in addition to safeguarding diplomatic missions, said a statement issued after the meeting.
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