The FAA maintains a flight prohibition for the Damascus Flight Information Region, SFAR 114 due to the continued risk to civil aviation posed from the ongoing conflict and extremist threat. For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s, For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s, The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for, The Beirut Country Council meets quarterly. A visiting U.S. citizen complained that a taxi lured him into a windshield tour, during which the driver rendered the tourist unconscious and stole his money and other valuables. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Lebanon at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Visitors must have an international driver’s license in order to drive. Do not travel to the border with Syria, the border with Israel, or refugee settlements due to the potential for armed conflict. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Lebanon. In the central part of the Bekaa, improvised explosive device (IED) attacks have occurred over the past three years. Council approves Hickory Ridge Shopping Center, County predicts tourism surge as vaccine rollout moves forward, U.S. tops 4,000 daily deaths from coronavirus for 1st time, US loses 140,000 jobs, first monthly drop since spring, Service to start the year: Wilson County's nonprofits seeking volunteers for 2021, Video shows rioters beating officer with American flag. The U.S. government’s ability to help U.S. citizens kidnapped or taken hostage is limited. There is serious risk from terrorism in Beirut. Rocket attacks and responses can occur without warning. Kidnappings linked to carjacking and taxi robberies have been reported. Low 26F. (3) updates to this series since Updated Jan 5, 2021 The American Citizens Services’ unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. The document was compiled from various The U.S. government’s ability to help U.S. citizens kidnapped or taken hostage is limited. The Lebanese Armed Forces are routinely brought in to quell the violence in these situations. However, Lebanon’s internal security situation has remained relatively calm in recent years. Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in Lebanon, punishable by up to one year in prison. U.S. law makes it illegal to provide material support to terrorist organizations. Refer to the State Department’s Road Safety page for more information. On September 25, 2020, after a one day trial, a Lebanon County Jury convicted 35 year old Joseph Graves of Intimidation of a Victim, Corruption of Minors, Indecent Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of Children. ... but found guilty of the lesser crime. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to Beirut. Review OSAC’s Lebanon country-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Outside of Beirut, there are also privately owned minivan, minibus, or shuttle companies with scheduled services. Current information suggests that ISIS, its affiliates, and other violent extremist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against areas that Westerns frequent. In January 2017, Lebanese security forces thwarted an attempted suicide attack at a busy café on Hamra Street in downtown Beirut. Watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and UXO may be present. Lebanon crime rate & statistics for 2015 was 3.90, a 9.3% decline from 2014. LGBTI persons can face significant social stigma. In case of a road accident, emergency numbers are, The Interior Ministry has been attempting to implement a. enacted in 2015, to include the prohibition of cell phone use (calling or texting) while driving. For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page. U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information. Roads are often in disrepair, and there are few sidewalks or road crossings. There are some government-run buses in Beirut. Do not travel to the border with Syria, the border with Israel, or refugee settlements due to the potential for armed conflict. The Lebanon City Council approved the Hickory Ridge Shopping Center at a special called meeting Thursday, a major economic development project at TN 109 and Hickory Ridge Road. This has resulted in an up-tick of traffic stops in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions. Lead Reporter at The Lebanon Democrat. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Lebanon is 1 in 245 and property crime is 1 in 39. Albany Democrat-Herald Today at 12:23 PM Also on this day in 2019 Iran vowed "harsh retaliation" for the U.S. ... airstrike that killed Tehran's top general, as tensions soared in the wake of the targeted killing. In August 2017, Lebanese Hizb’allah, a U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization, clashed with militants from the al-Nursra Front in the border area. These laws include sections on building accessibility, but building codes have yet to be updated accordingly. Lebanon is characterized by sectarian divisions and pressures from external and internal forces that can affect the government’s ability to function. Overseas Security Advisory Council everal criminally oriented families, clans, and gangs continue to operate in Lebanon; police enforcement action against these families is difficult due to the geographically isolated areas in which many of the syndicates operate, and limited police presence and resources in areas outside of Beirut and its surrounding governates. Long-term visitors should become familiar with hospitals near their homes and places of employment. Warren County, OH is Somewhat conservative. In December 2017, approximately 2,000 people held an anti-U.S. demonstration near the U.S. Embassy. U.S. victims of crime in Lebanon should contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy at + (961) 4-543600. Travelers with names reflecting Middle Eastern heritage may face additional scrutiny at Lebanese ports of entry and may be required to show documentary evidence of their parentage; specifically, official proof of their father’s name such as a copy of their birth certificate. The Embassy also recommends visiting Lebanon’s National Tourist Office website and that of its national authority responsible for road safety. Factionalism and sectarianism can result in political paralysis. Find further information on the FAA’s safety assessment page. Additionally, Lebanon is a transit country for cocaine and heroin. Publishing or Avoid travel to refugee settlements: Violence within refugee settlements has resulted in shootings and explosions. The threat of anti-Western terrorist activity persists, as does the risk of death or injury as a non-targeted bystander. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted without advance notice. U.S. citizens with special medical or other needs should be aware of the risks of remaining given their condition, and should prepare to seek treatment in Lebanon if they cannot arrange for travel out of the country. (UN-CTS M3.4) This has resulted in an up-tick of traffic stops in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions. Authorities have typically arrested LGBTI individuals for other minor offenses, and then subsequently charged them with violation of the law when evidence of their LGBTI identity is found, often through searches of cell phones or other personal material. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee protection against sudden outbreaks of violence. Burglaries occur as well, but to a lesser extent. Embassy personnel use the airport for official and personal travel. Information about crime in Beirut, Lebanon. ALBANY, Ore. (AP) — A Lebanon woman found guilty of killing a toddler has been sentenced to more than six years in prison. History. U.S. citizens have been the targets of terrorist attacks. The Beirut Country Council meets quarterly. The U.S. government maintains excellent relations with host country law enforcement and security elements. Shows how much people think the problem in their community are property crimes (home broken, car theft, etc.