US Universities in Lebanon Face Threats from Iran-Backed Militias: American Students Advised to Leave

Amid escalating tensions, Iran and its allied terrorist groups have issued specific threats targeting universities in Lebanon. Consequently, the State Department has urged Americans to depart while commercial flights are still operational, according to U.S. officials.

Officials have noted that Iran has “explicitly threatened” American educational institutions throughout the Middle East.

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has characterized Lebanon’s security atmosphere as “volatile and unpredictable.”

“Airstrikes, drones, and rocket attacks are frequent across the nation, particularly in the southern regions, the Beqaa Valley, and certain areas of Beirut,” officials emphasized in a recent security alert.

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike hits a building near the airport road in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday. (Hussein Malla/AP)

Commercial flights are being offered by Middle East Airlines, operating out of Beirut Rafic Hariri airport. 

Officials said Americans should strongly consider departing on one of the flights “if they believe it is safe to do so.”

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is providing limited passport services on an emergency basis to U.S. citizens.

An excavator clears debris at the site of an Israeli strike March 18 in the Zuqaq al-Blat district of central Beirut, Lebanon. (Khalil Ashawi/Reuters)

All routine consular services, including visa operations, are suspended until further notice.

Those who have plans to travel to Lebanon should cancel them, officials said.