Lebanon caution

The Department of State continues to urge avoiding all travel to Lebanon.

Public demonstrations occur frequently and may turn violent. Access to borders, airports and seaports can be interrupted with no warning. Family or neighborhood disputes can lead to gunfire or other violence.

Skirmishes between the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Defense Forces along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel may occur. Rocket attacks from Lebanon into Israel remain a threat; these attacks frequently provoke a military response from Israel.

A number of extremist groups operate in Lebanon, including some, such as Hizballah, that the US government has designated as terrorist organizations. Hizballah maintains a strong presence in parts of the southern suburbs of Beirut, portions of the Bekaa Valley and areas in southern Lebanon. Kidnapping remains a problem.