Latest news with #Hizballah
Ya Libnan
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
US EMBASSY IN BEIRUT URGES ITS CITIZENS NOT TO TRAVEL TO LEBANON
The US embassy in Beirut issued the following travel advisory update for Lebanon Updated to reflect the lifting of ordered departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel. Do Not Travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel are restricted from personal travel without advance permission. Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats. Commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity. Please check flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice. Since October 8, 2023, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hizballah and Israel. In some instances, targets have been well north of the border region. A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon went into effect on November 27, and implementation is ongoing; however, there are continued instances of military activity in some areas of Lebanon. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Local security authorities have noted a rise in violent crimes, including political violence. Multiple unsolved killings in Lebanon may have been politically motivated. Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations. Unexploded landmines and explosive remnants of war are a hazard along the border with Syria. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions. U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests as these have the potential to turn violent quickly and with little notice. Protesters have blocked major roads, including thoroughfares between downtown Beirut and the area where the U.S. Embassy is located, and between Beirut and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. If you decide to travel to Lebanon: Southern Lebanon – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There (See map below) The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid southern Lebanon and to depart if you are there; that is, all parts south of the city of Saida, to include inland areas, as illustrated in the map below. There have continued to be instances of military activity in South Lebanon and near the Syrian border since the cessation of hostilities went into effect. Border with Syria – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Syria border and to depart if you are there. This area has seen clashes between Lebanese security forces and Syrian-based groups, as well as recent airstrikes. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to and from Beirut. Refugee Settlements – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements in Lebanon and depart if you are there. These settlements are prone to outbreaks of violence including shootings and explosions. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. Issues 'Do Not Travel' Warning on July 3
For the first time this July, the U.S. Department of State has issued its first "Do Not Travel" warning. The U.S. Department of State is tasked with analyzing the risks and necessary precautions for Americans traveling to foreign destinations. If there are any concerns regarding a given country, the government will hand out an advisory ranging from Level 1-4. If a country receives a Level 4 advisory, that means it's unsafe for Americans to travel there. Well, the U.S. Department of State placed a Level 4 travel advisory on Lebanon on July 3 due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict." "The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice," the advisory for Lebanon states. "Since October 8, 2023, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hizballah and Israel. In some instances, targets have been well north of the border region. A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon went into effect on November 27, and implementation is ongoing; however, there are continued instances of military activity in some areas of Lebanon. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning." If U.S. citizens travel to Lebanon, they're advised to appoint a family member to serve as their point of contact, keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and monitor local media for breaking events. The full list of travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State can be seen here. U.S. Issues 'Do Not Travel' Warning on July 3 first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 3, 2025
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Beautiful' Med country looks just like Greece but FCDO warns against visiting
A stunning Mediterranean country featuring golden sand, beach clubs, and ubiquitous history is 'redesigning' the way it approaches tourism following an explosive conflict Boasting 139 miles of pristine Mediterranean coastline, luxury holiday resorts, and 32C temperatures - this 'beautiful' country could easily be mistaken for Greece. Last year, a staggering 1.31 million tourists flocked to Lebanon, lured in by the country's ancient ruins, golden sandy beaches, and stunning architecture. The influx marks a 32.1 per cent decrease in visitor numbers compared to 2023, which can largely be attributed to the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. However, after a ceasefire came into force on November 27, 2024, Lebanon has been grappling to restore its image as a holiday destination. Laura Lahoud, the country's Minister of Tourism, says Lebanon is entering a 'new chapter' - adding: "We are redesigning the tourism journey to meet modern expectations. This includes higher hospitality standards and consistent, transparent pricing. For Gulf visitors in particular, we are encouraging medical, wellness, and cultural offerings that reflect their current expectations, grounded in authenticity, not nostalgia." On March 27, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice for Lebanon - removing the strict warning to avoid travelling to the entire country. Now, the body advises against all travel to areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate - including the following neighbourhoods: Tariq el Jdideh Bir Hassan (excluding the Rafiq Hariri Hospital and the Ministry of Public Health) Ghobeiry Chiayah (south of the Rizkallah Semaan Road and west of (but not including) the Old Saida Road) Haret Hraik Burj Al Barajneh Mraije Laylake The FCDO's map also shows long stretchers of the country that have an 'advise against all but essential travel' includes spots such as Jezzine, Zgharta, Bcharre, Sidon, and Kfaroue. However, much of the coastline has now turned green - which means tourists can visit but should check the FCDO's advice before travelling. Under its 'Safety and Security' page, the FCDO highlights multiple risks tourists should consider if visiting the country, including potential terrorist attacks, crime, drug smuggling, and sexual assault. "The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning 'every sexual act against nature'," the FCDO adds. "Lebanese courts might consider that this includes same-sex sexual activity. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year." Despite the barrage of warnings, travel enthusiasts are still flocking to the country - desperate to show its more luxurious side. Last year, TikTok account Wanderlust Family shared a video of their trip to Lebanon, comparing it to the insatiably popular country of Greece. "Be honest, how many of you thought Lebanon was so beautiful?" the account wrote. "The news gives you a whole wrong picture of this beautiful country! The Lebanese love to party and if you're travelling to Lebanon, you absolutely have to visit a beach club." Hundreds of viewers flocked to the comments section to hail Lebanon's beauty, with one user writing: "Even as a Greek, I can easily say Lebanon has the most beautiful people and the best food. I can't wait to go back." Another said: "I literally want to go so bad," while a third added: "Wow, so beautiful."
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap to play in London tonight as they sell out in seconds amid terror charge
Rap music band Kneecap announced a surprise gig on Thursday and swiftly sold all tickets in under two minutes just a day after a band member was hit with a terror charge Rap trio Kneecap have sold out a surprise gig in rapid time just hours after a band member was charged with a terror offence by UK police. The concert, to be held at London's legendary 100 Club, is said to have taken just 90 seconds to sell out. The group from Belfast, who rap in the Irish language, are set to take to the stage tonight (Thursday) ahead of their headline slot at Wide Awake Festival in Brockwell Park, south London, on Friday night. Two thousand people joined the waiting list for Thursday's gig after the speedy sellout. The band had announced the last-minute gig on social media, sending fans into a frenzy. It comes after they shared messages following Wednesday's charge. Artist Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged by the Metropolitan Police on Wednesday with a terrorism offence relating to displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London last November. O'Hanna, 27, of Belfast, was charged by postal requisition and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, the Met said. In a statement, the Met said: "Liam O'Hanna, 27, (16.10.97) of Belfast has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of Hizballah, a proscribed organisation, namely: On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hizballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000." Taking to Instagram to issue a lengthy statement in response, the band said: "14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again, the British establishment is focused on us. "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story. Genocide is. As they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage." They continued: ""A charge not serious enough to even warrant their 'crown court', instead a court that doesn't have a jury. What's the objective? To restrict our travel ability. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare to speak out. "Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. "Then, like now, they claim justification. The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it. "We stand proudly with the people. You stand complicit with the war criminals. We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in court. We will win. Free Palestine."
Shafaq News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
US: $10M for Hezbollah info in South America
Shafaq News/ The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information that disrupts Hezbollah's financial networks in South America. Through its 'Rewards for Justice' program, the department urged the public to report Hezbollah-linked money laundering, smuggling, or other illicit financial activities, in the Tri-Border Area of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, asserting, 'Hizballah operates in regions far from its base in Lebanon.' Hizballah operates in regions far from its base in Lebanon, including in South you have information on Hizballah smuggling, money laundering, or other financial mechanisms in the Tri-Border Area, contact us. You could be eligible for a reward and relocation. — Rewards for Justice (@RFJ_USA) May 19, 2025 The announcement comes days after the US Treasury imposed new sanctions on four individuals accused of facilitating Hezbollah's financial networks, including figures based in Lebanon and Iran. Hezbollah has been classified as a 'terrorist' group by Washington since October 31, 2001. US authorities have consistently targeted individuals and networks tied to Hezbollah's financing, including those generating crucial revenue for the group.
