The US State Department confirmed on Monday February 23 the order to evacuate non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Beirut.
The move comes after US President Donald Trump escalated regional tensions and intensified threats against Iran.
The orders apply to non-essential personnel and eligible family members, although the embassy remains operational with basic staff.
As reported Al Jazeera50 people were evacuated while a Beirut airport official reported the departure of 32 staff and families on Monday, February 23.
A State Department official said: “We continually evaluate the security environment and, based on our latest review, we have determined that it is prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel. This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist American citizens.”
The departure order follows Israeli strikes on Lebanon in recent weeks, killing at least 12 people on Friday alone.
In violation of the 2024 ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces continue to occupy five outposts inside Lebanese territory.
According to a complaint filed in January with the United States by Lebanon, Israel has committed approximately 2,000 violations of its sovereignty since October.
