The US Embassy in Beirut called on Americans to leave Lebanon immediately while planes are flying

In a departure from previous warnings, the embassy specifically focused on the threats of terrorism and kidnapping, saying that “locations frequented by Americans and tourists in Beirut and other areas of Lebanon could be the target of such attacks.”

Citizens are advised to proactively identify a family member as a contact in the event of a hostage situation – for contacts “with the kidnappers, the media, government agencies and members of Congress.”

The embassy also warned of the dangers of unexploded ordnance in areas hit by military strikes and urged people to avoid protest sites that “could quickly turn violent.”

A day earlier, the State Department called on Americans to leave Iran immediately.