Latest news with #Hizballah
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
US envoy warns Lebanon over delays in disarming Hezbollah
Shafaq News – Beirut On Saturday, the US Special Envoy to Lebanon, Tom Barrack, warned that failure to enforce decision to restrict arms to the state could extend Lebanon's political and security paralysis. In a post on X, Barrack underscored that 'the credibility of Lebanon's government rests on its ability to match principle with practice,' referencing repeated statements by Lebanese leaders asserting that the state must hold 'a monopoly on arms.' The credibility of Lebanon's government rests on its ability to match principle with practice. As its leaders have said repeatedly, it is critical that 'the state has a monopoly on arms.' As long as Hizballah retains arms, words will not suffice. The government and Hizballah… — Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 27, 2025 During his latest visit to Lebanon, the US envoy stated that the process for addressing Hezbollah's armament includes clear deadlines, one of which is set for August 1.
Middle East Eye
5 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Without mentioning Israel, US envoy says only Lebanese army can operate within own borders
The US Special Envoy for Syria and also Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said on Thursday that the US will support Lebanon as long as only the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is permitted to operate within its borders, and control its arms supply. The statement is notable as it comes shortly after confirmation from the Israeli army that it has bombed multiple alleged weapons sites in southern Lebanon belonging to Hezbollah. Barrack did not name Israel in his statement. "During my recent visit to Beirut, I stated that Hizballah is 'an issue that must be resolved by the Lebanese themselves,' reaffirming a long-standing position of the United States — that Hizballah represents a challenge which only the Lebanese government can address," Barrack wrote on X. "Our goal in Lebanon is 'a strong Lebanese state that can take on and disarm Hizballah,'" he said, citing remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "The United States draws no distinction between Hezbollah's political and military branches. We view the group in its entirety as what it is: a foreign terrorist organization," Barrack wrote, appearing to spell Hezbollah differently in a follow-up post. "By contrast, the United States recognizes the LAF as the sole legitimate national military institution and a pillar of Lebanon's sovereignty and the key to securing a stable and prosperous future," he said.
LBCI
5 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
US envoy links country's support to Lebanon enforcing state control over weapons — statement
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack reaffirmed Washington's firm stance on Hezbollah during a recent visit to Beirut, underscoring that the issue of the group's weapons remains a Lebanese responsibility. 'Hezbollah is an issue that must be resolved by the Lebanese themselves,' Barrack said in a statement, reiterating that the United States believes Hezbollah poses a challenge that only Lebanon's government can confront. He stressed that Washington stands ready to support Lebanon if its leaders commit to enforcing the state's exclusive right to bear arms, emphasizing that 'only the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) has the constitutional authority to operate within its borders.' Echoing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's stance, Barrack highlighted the American goal of seeing 'a strong Lebanese state that can take on and disarm Hezbollah.' The envoy also made clear that Washington draws no line between Hezbollah's political and military wings. While recognizing the LAF as 'the sole legitimate national military institution and a pillar of Lebanon's sovereignty,' Barrack called on Lebanese leaders and the army to show 'resolve and political will' to 'seize a new chance for a future free from the grip of Hezbollah,' quoting U.S. President Donald Trump. He concluded by affirming U.S. support: 'On that path, the United States will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Lebanon.' During my recent visit to Beirut, I stated that Hizballah is 'an issue that must be resolved by the Lebanese themselves,' reaffirming a long-standing position of the United States — that Hizballah represents a challenge which only the Lebanese government can address. The United… — Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 24, 2025
Ya Libnan
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
US EMBASSY IN BEIRUT URGES ITS CITIZENS NOT TO TRAVEL TO LEBANON
The US embassy in Beirut issued the following travel advisory update for Lebanon Updated to reflect the lifting of ordered departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel. Do Not Travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel are restricted from personal travel without advance permission. Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats. Commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity. Please check flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice. Since October 8, 2023, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hizballah and Israel. In some instances, targets have been well north of the border region. A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon went into effect on November 27, and implementation is ongoing; however, there are continued instances of military activity in some areas of Lebanon. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Local security authorities have noted a rise in violent crimes, including political violence. Multiple unsolved killings in Lebanon may have been politically motivated. Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations. Unexploded landmines and explosive remnants of war are a hazard along the border with Syria. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions. U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests as these have the potential to turn violent quickly and with little notice. Protesters have blocked major roads, including thoroughfares between downtown Beirut and the area where the U.S. Embassy is located, and between Beirut and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. If you decide to travel to Lebanon: Southern Lebanon – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There (See map below) The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid southern Lebanon and to depart if you are there; that is, all parts south of the city of Saida, to include inland areas, as illustrated in the map below. There have continued to be instances of military activity in South Lebanon and near the Syrian border since the cessation of hostilities went into effect. Border with Syria – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Syria border and to depart if you are there. This area has seen clashes between Lebanese security forces and Syrian-based groups, as well as recent airstrikes. 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 and from Beirut. Refugee Settlements – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements in Lebanon and depart if you are there. These settlements are prone to outbreaks of violence including shootings and explosions. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. Issues 'Do Not Travel' Warning on July 3
For the first time this July, the U.S. Department of State has issued its first "Do Not Travel" warning. The U.S. Department of State is tasked with analyzing the risks and necessary precautions for Americans traveling to foreign destinations. If there are any concerns regarding a given country, the government will hand out an advisory ranging from Level 1-4. If a country receives a Level 4 advisory, that means it's unsafe for Americans to travel there. Well, the U.S. Department of State placed a Level 4 travel advisory on Lebanon on July 3 due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict." "The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice," the advisory for Lebanon states. "Since October 8, 2023, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hizballah and Israel. In some instances, targets have been well north of the border region. A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon went into effect on November 27, and implementation is ongoing; however, there are continued instances of military activity in some areas of Lebanon. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning." If U.S. citizens travel to Lebanon, they're advised to appoint a family member to serve as their point of contact, keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and monitor local media for breaking events. The full list of travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State can be seen here. U.S. Issues 'Do Not Travel' Warning on July 3 first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 3, 2025
