2006 press releases

Americans board a helicopter to Cyprus. (Defense Department photo)

U.S. Helicopters Continue to Fly Out Urgent Cases

Departures via Sea Begin Soon

July 18, 2006

U.S. helicopters continue to fly American citizens out of Lebanon. Those with urgent medical problems will be given priority, but all Americans who wish to travel will be transported. Not everyone will travel at the same time. Embassy personnel are currently contacting Americans for a series of departures from Lebanon via air and sea.

The U.S. Embassy asks Americans not to move until they are contacted by Embassy personnel or by an American Embassy warden, to ensure a safe and orderly departure. Those who wish to leave should ready themselves immediately. They should prepare important travel documents such as a valid U.S. passport, birth certificates, and other civil documents such as marriage. Each traveler will each be allowed only one suitcase, not to exceed 15 kilos (30 pounds). Pets will not be allowed to travel. Further instructions will be disseminated via the media, the Embassy warden system and the U.S. Embassy website: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov

The U.S. Department of State is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Defense to achieve a safe and orderly departure for American citizens. The U.S. Embassy is particularly concerned about American citizens in the south and is working through the Warden System to reach them. The Department of State continues to work around the clock to ensure the safety and well being of its citizens. The U.S. Embassy encourages Americans who have not yet registered to phone the Department of State at 202-501-4444 from overseas, or at 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. Embassy reaffirms the firm, enduring and non-negotiable commitment of the United States to Lebanon and the Lebanese people.