Lebanese authorities have reported that a man has been arrested after an overnight shooting near the US embassy in Awkar, northeast of Beirut. The incident resulted in a Syrian national being injured, prompting army members deployed to the area to respond with fire. The male suspect was subsequently arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment, with an ongoing investigation by the Lebanese army.
The US embassy confirmed reports of 'small arms fire' near its entrance at 8:34 am local time. The embassy assured the safety of its facility and team, stating that investigations are underway and that they are in close contact with local law enforcement.
Lebanon's involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict has escalated tensions in the region. Recent cross-border exchanges of fire between Lebanon and Israel have heightened concerns, with Hezbollah launching drones at an Israeli military command center in the Galilee, causing blazes in northern Israel.
There are fears that Hezbollah may actively engage in the conflict on behalf of the Palestinians, adding to the volatile situation in the area. The US State Department has issued travel warnings for Americans, advising against visiting Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict. The updated travel advisory suggests citizens 'reconsider travel' to Lebanon, particularly avoiding the country's south, the Syrian border, and refugee settlements.
