PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WARDEN MESSAGES  

Warden Message

February 13, 2007

On February 13, 2007, two commuter buses were bombed in the village of Ein Alaq, south of Bikfaya, and 30 miles north of Beirut. Initial reports indicate that there were three fatalities and 17 injuries. No Americans are known to have been involved in any of this violence. In as much as episodic outbreaks of violence may continue to occur, we urge American citizens to pay close attention to their personal security and to monitor their travel during the coming days. Special care should be exercised in places where there are large gatherings or impromptu demonstrations, as these areas are prone to sporadic outbursts that may become violent. The U.S. Embassy will be closed on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 in observance of Lebanon’s national day of mourning for the late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department’s web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Lebanon. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. However, American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the Embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209.