U.S. Reminds Americans to Avoid Travel to Lebanon, Cites 'Increase in Sectarian Violence'

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut on Friday reminded U.S. citizens to “avoid all travel to Lebanon due to safety and security concerns,” urging those in the country to “exercise security awareness," after at least 40 people were killed and more than 500 wounded in twin bombings that rocked mosques in Tripoli.

"Although there is no indication that U.S. citizens or interests were targets of those behind these attacks, there is a possibility of public demonstrations in response," the embassy said on its website in a security alert titled “Increase in Sectarian Violence in Lebanon.”

It also cited the Israeli air strike that targeted the Naameh area at dawn Friday and the August 15 bombing that rocked the Beirut southern suburb of Ruwais.

"In light of the recent escalation of sectarian clashes within Lebanon, and spillover violence from Syria, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Lebanon to exercise security awareness of their surroundings at all times, and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security. Spontaneous demonstrations, neighborhood and sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and lead to gunfire and other violence with little or no warning,” it added.

It warned that “the ability of U.S. government personnel to reach travelers to provide emergency services may be limited,” adding that “in the event of a crisis, the Embassy cannot guarantee that Embassy employees will be able to render assistance to U.S. citizens in all areas of the country.”

In an earlier statement, the embassy extended its "deepest condolences for the loss of innocent life," reiterating the United States’ "condemnation in the strongest terms of any violence in Lebanon" and urging all parties to "exercise calm and restraint."