US evacuates personnel from Beirut Embassy

2026-02-23 - 19:24

Shafaq News- Beirut The US State Department on Monday ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their family members from Beirut, citing security concerns. In a statement, the Embassy stated that remaining staff require advance approval for personal travel and warned that further restrictions may be imposed with “little or no notice.” Travel Advisory: Updated to reflect ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on February 23.On February 23 the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members... pic.twitter.com/vfxdlAnXOf — U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) February 23, 2026 The advisory did not detail the specific threats, though it follows US President Donald Trump’s warning that Iran will face consequences if it fails to reach a “meaningful” nuclear deal. Lebanese Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem has said the group would not “remain neutral” in the event of an attack on Iran. The US last ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from the Beirut embassy on June 22, 2025, the same day it struck Iranian nuclear sites. Read more: Iran–US talks: Diplomatic breakthrough or imminent military confrontation?