(TheIndependentStar.com) – Exposing the growing threat to its interests in the region, the United States has evacuated over 1,100 American citizens from Lebanon amid growing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
As the conflict intensifies, there are concerns over the potential for a wider war that could destabilize the Middle East further and put more American lives at risk.
The U.S. State Department has been organizing flights for American citizens to leave Lebanon, with recent evacuations heading to Istanbul.
“We’ve had some flights go out with around 150 people, and we’ve had these other flights with fewer, but it is going to be an ongoing question we look at, an ongoing assessment that we make,” U.S. State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said.
This decisive action comes as Israel has conducted over 1,100 airstrikes in Lebanon in recent weeks, while Hezbollah has launched hundreds of missiles into northern Israel.
The situation on the ground is dire. Hundreds of thousands are fleeing southern Lebanon due to intense Israeli bombardments and ground operations.
Over 600,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon, and more than 300,000 have been forced to leave the country entirely.
Lebanon’s ability to cope with this humanitarian crisis is severely limited due to government paralysis and economic turmoil.
Over 800 of Lebanon’s 990 shelters are already at capacity, and there are inadequate services and facilities to support the displaced population.
The strain on resources is evident. Half of Lebanon’s public schools are being used as shelters, delaying the school year for 40% of students.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated rapidly, with recent deadly attacks and retaliations on both sides.
A major strike in Beirut killed the commander of Hezbollah’s elite unit and dozens more, further inflaming tensions.
Israel’s response has been swift and severe, launching a series of strikes on Lebanon that killed over 490 Lebanese people and marking the deadliest attack since the 2006 war.
The threat posed by Hezbollah to Israel’s security cannot be understated. Israeli officials estimate that the terrorist organization has amassed around 150,000 rockets, posing a significant threat to the entire country.
This massive arsenal and Hezbollah’s firm support for Hamas have raised fears of an all-out war that could swallow the region.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the United States is seeking to remain vigilant in protecting its citizens and interests in the region.
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