Lebanon’s caretaker premier, Najib Mikati, has assured the public that there is no need for concern or panic over the country’s security situation. This comes after Germany and Gulf countries issued new travel warnings due to recent outbreaks of violence in the country.
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Germany, and Britain, have updated their travel advisories in response to clashes between rival armed groups in the Palestinian camp of Ain el-Hilweh in southern Lebanon. Mikati, however, stated that he has consulted with his security chiefs and believes that the situation does not warrant concern or panic. He also mentioned that progress has been made in resolving the violence in Ain el-Hilweh, where at least 13 people have lost their lives.
In order to reassure Arab countries, Lebanon’s foreign minister, Abdullah Bou Habib, has been tasked with ensuring the safety of foreign citizens in the country. The Saudi embassy has already advised its citizens to leave Lebanon promptly and avoid areas where armed clashes have occurred. Bahrain has followed suit and called on its citizens to depart the country as well.
Meanwhile, Kuwait has urged its nationals in Lebanon to stay vigilant and avoid areas of security disturbances but has not yet requested them to leave.
It is worth noting that last week, Germany warned its citizens against traveling to Palestinian camps in Lebanon, while Britain advised against all but essential travel to parts of southern Lebanon, including the vicinity of Ain el-Hilweh.
Ain el-Hilweh is the largest of 12 Palestinian camps in Lebanon and is home to approximately 250,000 Palestinian refugees, according to the United Nations’ agency for refugees from Palestine (UNRWA).
The situation in Lebanon’s security remains a concern, although authorities are working towards resolving the clashes and ensuring the safety of foreign citizens within the country.