INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS

Warden Messages

Death of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in Gaza

On Monday, March 22, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder and spiritual leader of HAMAS, was killed by an Israeli air strike as he was leaving a Gaza City mosque. We expect that emotions and tensions will be extremely high over the next few days given his prominent role and following. Because of the potential for demonstrations, the Embassy cautions U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings and neighborhoods where anti-American sentiment could run high in the near-term.

U.S. citizens are reminded that demonstrations in many parts of the world may have an anti-American character. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn into confrontational situations and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. You may review warden messages and public announcements for Lebanon at any time at the Embassy's website, http://www.usembassy.gov.lb. If you have questions or concerns, you may also contact the Consular Section at 04-542-600. Americans can sign up to receive copies of all Embassy warden notices by e-mailing the following address: Join-wardenmessagebeirut@mh.databack.com. You may unsubscribe by sending a message to the following address: leave-wardenmessagebeirut@mh.databack.com

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