Lebanon: Saudi government bans citizens from traveling to the country late Oct. 17 following armed clashes in Beirut on Oct. 14

Event

Saudi Arabian authorities banned citizens from traveling to Lebanon Oct. 17 following deadly armed clashes in Beirut's Tayouneh neighborhood Oct. 14. Saudi officials called on citizens to avoid sites of civil unrest in Lebanon. The Saudi Embassy in Beirut remains operational.

Increased demand for outbound flights and other outbound international transportation is possible in Lebanon over the coming days.

Context

Heavy armed clashes took place in Beirut's Tayouneh neighborhood over several hours Oct. 14. The fighting killed seven people and wounded dozens of others. The exact cause of the clashes remains unclear.

Supporters of Hizballah and the Amal Movement were staging a protest march in the area when violence broke out. Spokesmen from the Iran-backed Hizballah and allied Shi'a Amal party have accused a rival Christian political party, the Lebanese Forces, of instigating the clashes. The initial protest action was organized to demand the resignation of the judge investigating the August 2020 Beirut port explosion.

Advice

Confirm flight schedules and other transport arrangements in advance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Liaise regularly with trusted contacts for updates.