(Ottawa) The Canadian government is raising its alert level to the maximum and is now advising against all travel to Lebanon. For the moment, the diplomatic staff stationed in Beirut remain in place.
The “deterioration of the security situation, civil unrest, the increased risk of terrorist attacks and the ongoing armed conflict with Israel” in Lebanon means that all travel must now be avoided, indicates the government in the update of his advice to travelers.
“If the armed conflict escalates, commercial means of leaving the country could be affected. The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services during an active conflict, including the evacuation of citizens, may be limited.
For the moment, Canadian diplomatic staff stationed in Lebanon remain on site, unlike non-essential staff at the embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, and the office in Ramallah, in the West Bank, who Ottawa asked to leave with their family.
The increase in the alert level comes after Conservative Michael Chong criticized Canada for lagging behind its allies, including the United States. “When it comes to protecting Canadians abroad, why does the Liberal government always do too little, too late? “, he criticized.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and Canadian government officials are urging Canadians in Lebanon to leave the country while commercial flights are still available. So far, carriers Swiss and Lufthansa have canceled their direct routes to Beirut.
Here, Air Canada does not offer flights to the Lebanese capital; the destination is offered as a connection on flights offered by partners.
According to the most recent figures provided by Global Affairs Canada, as of Wednesday evening, there are 15,450 people registered in the register of Canadians abroad for Lebanon.