“We think it’s very important that not only the airport is open, but the roads to the airport are open so that US citizens who want to leave can get out, and citizens of other countries as well,” a US State Department press secretary told reporters. Matthew Miller.
The Israeli Air Force carried out a strike on Monday in the southern suburbs of Beirut near the international airport.
Last week, the US chartered flights almost daily to take its citizens and their families out of Lebanon as the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah escalated.
About 900 people have flown on these flights so far, Miller said, adding that not all seats were occupied on any flight.
The US is also reserving seats on commercial flights that are still in operation. About 8,500 Americans have contacted the U.S. State Department to inquire about the terms of their departure, but that doesn’t mean they all want to leave, Miller added.
Miller declined to comment on Israel’s strikes in Lebanon and their compliance with international law, but said the United States supports Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah.
2024-10-08 22:26:03