Australia warns citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon amid conflict

The Australian government has escalated its travel warnings for Lebanon, advising citizens to leave the country immediately while commercial flights are still operational. This warning comes amid escalating conflict with Israel, which has seen air strikes and missile exchanges between the two nations. The situation has been precarious since October, with the official travel advice being 'do not travel.' Recent military actions have intensified, including a significant Israeli airstrike on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, which has led to a rapid deterioration of security conditions. As tensions rise, the Australian government emphasizes the urgency of departing Lebanon, warning that commercial flights may soon become unavailable. Beirut airport could potentially close, leaving those who remain stranded for an extended period. The advice encourages Australians to take the first available flight rather than waiting for a preferred route, as airlines are already canceling flights due to the conflict. The conflict has resulted in civilian casualties, including the deaths of a Hezbollah commander, a woman, and two children during Israeli strikes in July. The situation escalated further on August 25, when Israel launched a pre-emptive attack involving 100 jets targeting Hezbollah launch sites across Lebanon. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired 340 rockets into Israel, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. The Australian government warns that terrorist attacks could occur at any time, including in Beirut, and urges citizens to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's crisis registration portal for assistance. The overall message is clear: the security situation in Lebanon is highly volatile, and immediate action is necessary for the safety of Australian citizens.