Lebanon: Kuwaiti government advises citizens to leave the country following armed clashes in Beirut Oct. 14

Event

Kuwaiti authorities called on citizens to avoid sites of civil unrest in Lebanon and leave the country Oct. 14 following deadly armed clashes in Beirut's Tayouneh neighborhood earlier in the day. Kuwaiti officials have also advised nationals to delay travel to Lebanon given the volatile security situation. The Kuwaiti Embassy in Beirut remains operational.

Increased demand for outbound flights and other outbound international transportation is likely 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 at least six people and wounded dozens of others. The exact cause of the clashes was not immediately clear.

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.

Resources

Kuwaiti Embassy in Lebanon emergency phone numbers: 0096171171441 and 009611792902.