The U.S. State Department is advising citizens to leave Lebanon, and recalling non-essential diplomatic staff, although the U.S. embassy in Beirut will stay open. Washington says it’s concerned about tension in the region and potential security threats.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said, "We will continue evaluating information as it comes in over the days and weeks ahead, and if we need to take additional steps we certainly will.
"Our preference is always, of course, to have our folks on the ground and I would know also that the consular services are still happening in Adana and in Beirut, we’re just drawing down some personnel...Our security of our people and our facilities in the region is of utmost concern to everyone here."
Shortly after the U.S. announcement, around 150 people from pro-Syrian groups held a protest near the U.S. Embassy compound north of Beirut. They were protesting against possible U.S. strikes on Syria, and pledged to hold larger rallies if the attack goes ahead. The protesters were heavily confined by riot police, and were unable to get to the embassy itself.
The U.S. is concerned over a potential backlash in Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East, if it decides to carry out an attack on Syria.