The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon advised its citizens, today (Thursday), to "plan to leave as soon as possible while commercial flights are still available." In an email guidance to its citizens, the embassy stated that it is closely monitoring the security situation in Lebanon. It added: "We recommend that American citizens who choose to remain prepare emergency plans for urgent situations." The U.S. Department of State issued an advisory on October 18, urging citizens not to travel to Lebanon due to the "unprecedented security situation" there.