Security Brief for prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 8:17:58 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating

Security Rating for Lebanon: 4 - High

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 3 Overall Rating: Security Services 4 4 Civil Unrest 4 Terrorism 4 High Kidnapping 3 Geopolitical 5

Security Overview : Overview of Lebanon Petty theft poses the primary threat to travelers. Violent crime is rare. Civil unrest occurs frequently over various socio-economic and political issues. Large-scale anti-government unrest broke out in October 2019 in response to proposed tax increases. Demonstrations persist nationwide as protesters continue to demand the resignation of Lebanon's entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure; protesters claim that this system has only benefitted political elites and encourages a lack of accountability. Prime Minister resigned in the aftermath of a major explosion at the Port of in August 2020. Diab's government is currently acting in a caretaker capacity pending the formation of a new government; he faces resistance from protesters and many in the Sunni community. Sectarian tensions can drive communal violence and result in both protests and inter-clan fighting. A state of conflict with Israel exists and small-scale clashes occur in areas bordering Israel. The risk of greater conflict with Israel remains, particularly as Israel becomes increasingly aggressive in its military actions against and Iranian allies such as . Conflict spillover from is a threat in the northeastern areas, exacerbated by the presence of Sunni extremist militants. Tensions between regional rivals and Iran are delicate and any escalation threatens to destabilize Lebanon and elevate the conflict threat. A number of terrorist groups, including the Islamic State (IS), retain a presence and limited capability to stage attacks in Lebanon. Militants have attacked Shia interests in Beirut's southern suburbs as well as security forces in the northeastern border areas. The threat of lone-wolf attacks remains active.

Related Advice: Tips for reducing your vulnerability in the event of civil unrest. Related Advice: Personal security while walking. Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Recognizing when you are under surveillance, and tips to avoid surveillance. Related Advice: Protecting yourself from crime when using taxis abroad. Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling. Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security Alerts & Advisories Warning Alerts

Civil Unrest: Anti-government protests likely to continue across Lebanon through at least late July. Related strikes, travel disruptions likely. Event: Protests, strikes Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Through at least late July Impact: Increased security, transport and commercial disruptions; possible violence

Summary Anti-government demonstrations and strikes will likely continue across Lebanon through at least late July. Most demonstrations are against government corruption, economic mismanagement, and delays in the investigation into the Beirut port explosion. Conditions continue to deteriorate amid the impasse in the formation of a new government. The ongoing political deadlock has further delayed long-awaited reforms and exacerbated the country's political and economic crisis. The Lebanese pound has lost nearly 90 percent of its value since widespread protests first erupted in October 2019. The pound's collapse has strained the government's limited resources, raising concerns over dwindling subsidies and the capabilities of the country's security services. In late June, authorities raised the price of fuel by more than a third after slashing fuel subsidies. Widespread shortages in basic commodities such as fuel and medicine have prompted an uptick in disruptive demonstrations and violence.

Demonstrations, sit-ins, strikes, and roadblocks will almost certainly continue across the country, including in Beirut, , Tripoli, and Tyre. Prominent rally sites include public squares, government buildings, and city centers. In Beirut, protests will likely continue to materialize at the Port of Beirut, the Ministry of Justice, Riad el- Solh Road, Martyrs' Square, and near the government palace. Demonstrators may burn tires and sporadically barricade main roadways during protests, prompting ground travel disruptions. Transport disruptions and strikes could also result in further commercial disruptions. Security forces will almost certainly continue to monitor and respond to all protests and roadblocks. Clashes between security forces and protesters are likely if protesters ignore police orders or are overly disruptive.

Protesters have engaged in rioting and acts of vandalism against public and private property. Activists are particularly frustrated with banks and other financial institutions, which have imposed capital controls on withdrawals and foreign transfers. Demonstrators have previously targeted banks with improvised incendiary devices, and additional similar incidents remain possible. Periodic bank closures in response to the demonstrations have been occurring throughout Lebanon; further bank closures could occur and will likely result in low cash supplies at ATMs.

Background and Analysis Lebanon has been without a fully functioning government since Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned in the aftermath of a major explosion at the Port of Beirut which killed at least 200 people and wounded some 6,000 others in August 2020. Diab's government is currently acting in a caretaker capacity pending the formation of a new government. However, Lebanese political parties have thus far failed to overcome the endemic deadlock. Politicians nominated former Prime Minister to the premiership in October 2020. Hariri has vowed to form a cabinet of nonpartisan specialists to pass urgent reforms; however, the government currently remains at an impasse despite over eight months of negotiations.

Lebanon is currently mired in its worst crisis since its 1975-1990 Civil War. Protesters continue to demand the resignation of Lebanon's entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure, which distributes political power according to sect. They claim that this system has only benefitted political elites and encourages a lack of accountability. Over half of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line, and many businesses have struggled to stay afloat amid the economic meltdown and COVID-19 pandemic. Major economic and political reforms will be required to help reverse the crisis, unlock international financial assistance, and address the demands of the protesters. However, reforms do not appear to be imminent due to continued government dysfunction.

Advice Liaise with trusted contacts regarding protest sites, and maintain contact with diplomatic missions. Avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for localized clashes or other security incidents. Allow significant extra time to reach destinations in city centers in Lebanon until the protests abate. Do not attempt to pass through protester roadblocks; wait for authorities to remove them. Be alert for residual debris and sharp objects if driving on previously blocked roads. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers. Reconfirm business appointments.

Alert begins: 06/29/2021

Civil Unrest: Unionized pharmacists launch open-ended nationwide strike in Lebanon July 9. Protests possible. Incident: Pharmacists strike Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Nonemergency healthcare disruptions; possible protests, localized transport disruptions

Summary Unionized pharmacists in Lebanon launched an indefinite nationwide strike July 9 in response to severe shortages of medicines allegedly resulting from the government's failure to make payment to foreign pharmaceuticals suppliers as part of a subsidy program. Preliminary information indicates that most pharmacies in major cities, including Beirut, have closed their doors to participate in the labor action, while up to half have shuttered in other areas of the country.

The work stoppage will likely affect non-emergency medical services for the duration of the strike. Striking pharmacists may also hold demonstrations outside public hospitals. Gatherings outside the Ministry of Health in Beirut are also possible. Localized traffic disruptions are possible near any protests that may materialize.

Advice Reconfirm appointments for nonemergency medical services. Plan accordingly for further shortages of medicines. Exercise caution near potential protest areas. Avoid all demonstrations.

Alert begins: 07/09/2021

Civil Unrest: Activists to protest outside of the Parliament in Beirut, Lebanon, from 18:00 July 13. Increased security, localized disruptions likely. Event: Protest Location(s): Parliament building, Beirut (map) Start Time/Date: 18:00 July 13 Impact: Increased security, localized transport disruptions; possible clashes

Summary Activists plan to protest outside of the Parliament building in Beirut from 18:00 July 13 to demand justice for victims of the Beirut Port explosion. Critics allege that politicians are obstructing the investigation into the August 2020 blast that killed at least 200 people and wounded some 6,000 others. The call to protest comes amid ongoing anti-government demonstrations demanding the resignation of political elites and the formation of a new technocratic government capable of implementing urgent reforms. Protesters have blocked roads and clashed with security forces during previous rallies. The gathering will likely be well attended.

Authorities will almost certainly increase security to monitor the protest. Localized transport disruptions are likely in the surrounding area. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse.

Advice Avoid the protest due to the potential for clashes. Heed the advice of security personnel and leave the area immediately at the first sign of any confrontation. Allow additional time to reach destinations near the Parliament building on July 13.

Alert begins: 07/13/2021

Other Alerts & Advisories Warning Alerts

Entry/Exit: Domestic and international travel restrictions remain in effect in Lebanon as of June 10 to combat COVID-19 and its variants. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Significant business and travel disruptions; increased security

Summary Numerous restrictions remain in effect across Lebanon as of June 10 as part of the nation's efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. A 21:30-05:00 nightly curfew is in force nationwide until further notice. Nonessential movement is prohibited during curfew hours. Individuals are permitted to travel to and from Beirut- International Airport (BEY) during the curfew but must possess relevant travel documents, such as a flight boarding pass. Restaurants are permitted to operate at 50 percent capacity during the day; food delivery services are permitted during curfew hours.

Malls, stores, restaurants, gyms, and factories are allowed to operate. However, pubs and nightclubs remain closed until further notice. Schools have resumed some in-person classes. Taxis are permitted to operate but may carry no more than three persons, including the driver. Due to concerns regarding COVID-19 variants, international travelers arriving from the UK and Brazil must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken no more than 96 hours before traveling to Lebanon. Travelers from these countries must also agree to another PCR test upon arrival at BEY and undergo a five-day mandatory quarantine at government-approved hotels at their own expense. Travelers who have been fully inoculated and those who have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days are exempt from the mandatory quarantine period. Diplomats are also exempt from having to quarantine at hotels. Travelers from India remain barred from entry until further notice due to concerns regarding increased disease activity. Travelers must have departed from India more than 14 days prior to arrival in Lebanon to be permitted entry.

BEY remains operational. Travelers to Lebanon who have been outside the country for more than one week must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior to boarding their flight. Fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from this requirement provided they present proof of vaccination and received their second dose of the vaccine at least 15 days prior to arrival in Lebanon. Those who have only received a single dose are still required to present a negative PCR test result. International travelers arriving at BEY - with the exception of those from the UK and Brazil - must undergo another PCR test upon arrival and quarantine at their accommodations for 72 hours; travelers who are fully vaccinated or who recovered from the disease more than 15 days prior to arrival are exempt from this requirement.

Land and maritime borders remain closed to travelers who do not hold valid transit visas. The number of travelers permitted to cross through the Masnaa and Aboudieh land border crossings is reduced to 100 each at a rate of twice per week. Nonresidents traveling to Lebanon are required to have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of their stays.

Lebanon's state of medical emergency has been extended until at least Sept. 30. The directive grants the government broad powers to implement preventative measures, such as curfews and travel restrictions, to combat COVID-19. Facemasks are mandatory in public. Public transportation has resumed operating nationwide, albeit with social distancing measures and passenger limits in place. Violations of the country's social distancing and safety guidelines are punishable by fines. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements, including required in-country quarantine requirements, before travel. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for delays at available shopping centers.

Resources World Health Organization (WHO)

Alert begins: 06/10/2021

Health: Countries in , North Africa, and West Asia continue to report COVID-19 cases through July. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 transmission Location(s): Middle East, North Africa, West Asia (map) Date: June-July 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories in MENA and West Asia continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of July 6. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 cases June 8-July 6. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

Very high risk of transmission

Bahrain

High risk of transmission

Afghanistan Iran Turkey

Moderate risk of transmission

Lebanon Palestinian Territories Saudi Arabia

Low risk of transmission

Algeria Israel Pakistan Syria

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should continue to prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources WHO coronavirus knowledge base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress New England Journal of Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Alert begins: 07/06/2021

Explosion: Explosion reported at Beddawi Camp in Tripoli, Lebanon, morning of July 12. No immediate reports of casualties. Increased security likely. Incident: Explosion Location(s): Tripoli (map) Time/Date: Morning of July 12 Impact: Increased security; possible localized transport disruptions

Summary Local media reports indicate that an explosion occurred at Beddawi Camp in Tripoli the morning of July 12. The cause of the blast remains unclear. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Security officials and emergency responders will likely maintain an increased presence in the area as investigations continue. Localized transport disruptions are possible in the vicinity of the incident through at least the evening of July 12.

Advice Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the impacted area. Heed instructions of local security officials.

Alert begins: 07/12/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Lebanon Lebanon's relations with its neighbors, as well as regional powers Saudi Arabia and Iran, are delicate. Lebanon has been in a state of war with Israel since 1973, when the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attacked several Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) strongholds in Beirut and Sidon. The most recent conflict in July 2006 resulted in a United Nations-negotiated ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. During that conflict, Israel hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon mainly in the south, although some Israeli airstrikes destroyed infrastructure in and around Beirut, including bridges and the runways of the city's Rafic Hariri International Airport. Israel is currently concerned with the prospect of Hezbollah acquiring the capacity to indigenously produce precision-guided missiles; a "red line" issue over which Israel would be likely to use military force. The discovery of Hezbollah tunnels into Israeli territory is also an indicator of increased tension, as is the presence of Hezbollah military elements targeting Israeli territory with Iranian military support on Syrian soil. The prospect of unilateral Israeli action into Lebanon is negated somewhat due to prospect of Hezbollah retaliatory fire on Israeli urban centers. Nonetheless, a potential Israel-Lebanon conflict remains a risk, particularly as Israel becomes increasingly aggressive in its military actions against Iran and Iranian allies such as Hezbollah. The crashing of an Israeli drone in a Hezbollah-dominated suburb of Beirut in August 2019 highlighted this risk, with Hezbollah vowing to retaliate. Conflict spillover from Syria is a threat, particularly in Lebanon's northeastern areas. Major offensives launched against Islamic State (IS) have been largely successful in curbing the capabilities of militants, who had established a presence in the Qalamoun region on the other side of the border from Arsal. However, lingering pockets of militants remain a threat, particularly near the border town of Arsal and in the northeastern area between Hermel and Baalbek. Fighting may occur in the vicinity of the towns of Ras Baalbek, al-Qaa, Arsal, Janta, Koussaya, Massa, Raite, and Kfar Zabad in Bekaa province. The conflict threat is also pronounced in parts of the North province, including Akkar and Hasbaya districts.

Civil Unrest: Civil unrest generally poses a high threat in Lebanon Protests and industrial action over various socio-economic grievances occur with frequency. Large-scale anti- government unrest broke out in October 2019 in response to proposed tax increases. Rallies brought the cities of Beirut, Tripoli, and Tyre to a standstill as protesters called for an overhaul of the government. Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigned in October 2019, bowing to rising public pressure. Hassan Diab was appointed to the premiership in December 2019 but subsequently resigned in the aftermath of a major explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020. Diab's government is currently acting in a caretaker capacity pending the formation of a new government. Demonstrations persist nationwide as protesters continue to demand the resignation of Lebanon's entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure. Protests are typically tightly policed and peaceful, although the potential for clashes to occur remains. Unrest is often organized over issues including government policies and inefficiencies, perceived discrimination, and corruption. Protests over poor electricity provision and the high costs of private generators take place occasionally, especially in the south where prolonged power outages are a common occurrence. Unionized public sector workers have staged numerous protest actions over pay and conditions. These often take place in front of government and ministry buildings. Tensions on Lebanon's political front have the potential to manifest into rallies by the respective followers of the 14 March Alliance and supporters of the 8 March Alliance. Such demonstrations range from small, localized gatherings to large-scale protests and coups that have disrupted commercial activity and travel in the past. Hezbollah, in particular, maintains a large weapons arsenal that gives it significant military and political influence. Election periods and subsequent delays in government formation see increased sectarian violence and clashes between armed supporters of rival parties. Sectarian tensions are particularly pronounced in certain areas such as the mainly Sunni Bab al-Tibbaneh and mainly Alawite Muslim Jabal Mohsen neighborhoods of Tripoli, where rivalries related to the Syrian conflict have led to communal violence. The presence of armed militias exacerbates the situation. However, a security plan aimed at quelling violence between the two neighborhoods has resulted in a decrease in clashes and militant attacks in recent years. The town of al-Saadiyet, some 20km (12 miles) south of Beirut, has also seen inter-clan fighting mainly between supporters of the Hezbollah-linked Resistance Brigade militia and the Saudi-backed . Spontaneous protests can occur in response to political developments, particularly in areas where major parties have strong support. For the Future Movement, this includes Sidon (South Governorate) and Beirut's Tariq al-Jdide district. For Hezbollah, this includes Beirut's Shia-Muslim-dominated southern suburbs such as Dahiya, Haret Hreik, and Hay al-Lija. Protests and marches may also occur around dates commemorating significant events, such as the 14 February 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and the remembrance of the 16 September 1982 Shabra and Shatila refugee camp massacres. Rallies may also mark Nakba Day on 15 May, which commemorates the displacement of Palestinians during the establishment of Israel in 1948. This anniversary frequently sees Palestinian sympathizers march toward the border with Israel. Some protests have been directed against foreign interests in Lebanon, such as demonstrations outside the US embassy and the torching of the Danish embassy in Beirut over the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. Areas in the vicinity of Palestinian refugee camps are hotspots for violent protests and clashes between various factions and groups. In Ain al-Hilweh, the largest refugee camp located near the southern town of Sidon, clashes occur periodically between supporters of the al-Qaeda-linked Islamist group Jund al-Sham and the Palestinian political party Fatah. Protests both for and against the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria have escalated into violence and low-level conflict.

Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and selected embassy contacts in Lebanon Travelers should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Emergency Services::

Police 175 Fire 112 Ambulance 140 Country Code 961 Contact information for select embassies and consulates in Lebanon: Note: This information is subject to change.

Australia - Embassy Canada - Embassy China - Embassy

Embassy Complex Serail Hill Coolrite Building, 1st Floor 72 Rue Nicolas Ibrahim Sursock Centre-Ville 43 Jal El Dib Highway Ramlet-Baida Beirut P.O. Box 60163 Beirut Lebanon Beirut Lebanon Phone: +961-1-960-600 Lebanon Phone: +961-1-850-314 Fax: +961-1-960-601 Phone: +961-4-726-700 Fax: +961-1-822-492 lebanon.embassy.gov.au Fax: +961-4-710-595 lb.china-embassy.org/ canadainternational.gc.ca/lebanon France - Embassy Germany - Embassy Japan - Embassy

Rue de Damas-Espace des Lettres Maghzal Building Army Street Ras El-Nabaa close to Jesus-and-Mary-School Serail Hill Beirut Rabieh P.O. Box 11-3360 Lebanon Beirut Zokak Al-Blat Phone: +961-1-420-000 Lebanon Beirut lb.ambafrance.org/ Phone: +961-4-935-000 Lebanon Fax: +961-4-935-001 Phone: +961-1-989-751/2/3 beirut.diplo.de/ Fax: +961-1-989-754 lb.emb-japan.go.jp/ United Arab Emirates - Embassy United Kingdom - Embassy United States - Embassy

Al Janah Embassies Complex Awkar facing the Municipality Ramlah Al Bayda Armies Street P.O. Box 70-840 (opposite Edin Rock) , Serail Hill Antelias Beirut P.O. Box 11-471 Beirut Lebanon Beirut Lebanon Phone: +961-1-857-000 Lebanon Phone: 961-4-542-600 Fax: +961-1-857-009 Phone: +961-1-960-800 Fax: +961-4-544-136 Fax: +961-1-960-885 lb.usembassy.gov/ gov.uk/government/lebanon

Crime: Crime generally poses a moderate threat in Lebanon Crime is a moderate concern. Hotspots for criminal activity include, but are not limited to, the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, more deprived areas of Tripoli, the vicinity of refugee camps, tourist-frequented sites and night spots. Petty crimes involving pick-pocketing, bag-snatching and other forms of street theft are prevalent and are usually opportunistic, occurring in crowded tourist areas. Violent crime is rare, although the widespread prevalence of guns throughout the country can lead to a quick escalation in violence. Residential burglary is rising, and vehicle break-ins and vehicle thefts, including carjacking, are relatively common in Lebanon. There have been robberies affecting some foreign nationals using a shared taxi service that is demarcated by a red license plate on cars. The Lebanese Interior Minister has also stated Uber taxis should be avoided as their safety cannot be guaranteed. There has been a discernible rise in kidnappings in Lebanon since the war in Syria began. Abductions are typically conducted in less-policed areas such as the Bekaa Valley. Although wealthy local businessmen or sectarian rivals are most commonly targeted, foreign nationals may be selected. Most kidnappings are for criminal motives or financial gains, although some groups may stage abductions for political or ideological motives.

Related Advice: Recognizing when you are under surveillance, and tips to avoid surveillance. Related Advice: Personal security while walking.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat is considered high for Lebanon The political situation in Lebanon is tenuous, and transitions of power are often unstable and experience sectarian violence. Large-scale anti-government unrest broke out in October 2019 and forced the resignation of the then-Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Protesters have continued to demand the resignation of Lebanon's entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure. Hassan Diab was appointed to the premiership in December 2019 but resigned in the aftermath of a major explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020. Diab's government is currently acting in a caretaker capacity pending the formation of a new government. Corruption is widespread in the public sector. Bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, and kickbacks are all common throughout the country. Police response in Lebanon is improving, but the lack of training and resources continues to affect the ability of the police to render effective assistance. A number of sanctions exist mandated by the US, EU and UN.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Lebanon is moderate The threat of kidnapping in Lebanon is moderate; kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most common types of abduction in Lebanon include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom, high net worth individual kidnap- for-ransom, and political kidnapping. The kidnapping threat remains most elevated in North and Beqa'a governorates and is particularly acute in the vicinity of the Lebanon-Syria border region. Most incidents in these areas are orchestrated by various criminal and militant groups motivated by financial and political/ideological agendas. Tensions between local tribal and criminal groupings, nonstate militia forces, and Syria-based extremist groups have resulted in numerous cross- border reprisal kidnappings. The threat in Mount Lebanon Governorate, Beirut, and the surrounding area is substantially lower, due in part to the relative stability and higher levels of security in these areas.

Related Advice: Personal security while walking. Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Protecting yourself from crime when using taxis abroad. Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations. Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Recognizing when you are under surveillance, and tips to avoid surveillance.

Security Services: Security services in Lebanon are generally poor (threat is high)

Security Services

The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Lebanon are generally poor (threat is high). The civil police are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff. The Internal Security Force (ISF) is the most capable force in Lebanon. Most ISF personnel are better paid and better trained than civil police and are behind most major security operations in the country. Security forces typically speak and French.

Related Advice: Personal security while walking.

Terrorism: Terrorism generally poses a high threat in Lebanon Terrorism is a concern, though the day-to-day threat is not significant to foreign travelers. The last high-profile attack was a suicide bombing in Beirut in November 2015 that killed dozens. The threat has further decreased since a number of groups including the Islamic State (IS) were driven out of north-eastern border areas near Arsal, Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, by the Lebanese Armed Forces in August 2017. This greatly reduced the ability of militants to stage asymmetrical attacks, particularly in the border area. However, lingering pockets of militants retain a limited capacity to carry out attacks in the country. Indeed, Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF) periodically report the arrest of suspected militants and the foiling of attacks, highlighting the ongoing intent of militants to stage attacks as well as the ISF's high-level counter-terrorism capabilities. An attack by an individual with IS links in Tripoli in May 2019 raised concerns over the potential for lone wolf style incidents in the medium term. Terrorist incidents are most likely to target security forces, political interests, or Hezbollah; foreign interests are unlikely to be targeted directly. However, Western interests remain a target for some of the more ideologically minded militant groups, although these are likely to be opportunistic and not large in scale. A foiled plot targeting a busy cafe in Beirut's Hamra neighborhood in January 2017 underscores the threat. Beirut's largely Shia Muslim southern suburbs are at heightened risk of attacks targeting Hezbollah and Iranian interests due to their support for the Syrian regime. The al-Qaeda-linked group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, as well as IS have all vowed to continue attacks in Lebanon until Hezbollah withdraws from Syria. Well-trained police Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teams periodically find and neutralize improvised explosive devices in various locations. The threat from one-off, lone wolf terrorist acts by individuals inspired by IS or radicalized online by individuals outside the country remains.

Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Overview of Lebanon Situated along the eastern Mediterranean coastline, the Republic of Lebanon is a small state buffeted by regional power struggles, with war-torn Syria to its north and east and Israel to its south. Lebanon is a parliamentary democracy implementing a complex power-sharing system of confessionalism. However, the stability of the political and security situation remains tenuous. Deep-seated sectarian divisions between the country's Christian, Sunni Muslim, and Shia Muslim communities have raised concerns about the prospect of wider conflict in Lebanon. Hezbollah, which sees itself as a resistance movement against Israel but is also a designated a terrorist organization by Western states and the Arab League, holds significant independent political and military power. Tensions between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran threaten to destabilize Lebanon on the political level and elevate the conflict threat. Conflict in neighboring Syria is a threat to Lebanon's stability. Potential conflict with Israel remains a risk, particularly as Israel becomes increasingly aggressive in its military actions against Iran and Iranian allies such as Hezbollah. A number of terrorist groups, including the Islamic State (IS), retain a presence and limited capability to stage attacks in Lebanon. Protests occur frequently over various socio-economic grievances. Large-scale anti-government unrest broke out in October 2019 in response to proposed tax increases, resulting in the resignation of the then-Prime Minister Saad Hariri. Demonstrations persist nationwide as protesters continue to demand the resignation of Lebanon's entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure; protesters claim that this system has only benefitted political elites and encourages a lack of accountability. Lebanon has now been without a fully functioning government since Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned in the aftermath of a major explosion at the Port of Beirut that killed at least 200 people and wounded some 6,000 others in August 2020. Diab's government is currently acting in a caretaker capacity pending the formation of a new government. However, Lebanese political parties have thus far failed to overcome the endemic deadlock. Lebanon has an open free-market economy with limited restrictions on foreign investment, although political instability and public sector corruption are impediments to economic growth. The Lebanese economy is primarily based on the service sector, including tourism and financial services. The most frequently reported threat to foreign travelers is from petty criminal activity. Infrastructure is generally well-developed in and around Beirut and other major cities in the country, although similar standards are often not found in rural areas. Areas south of the Litani River remain largely outside of effective governmental control. High-quality medical facilities and services are available in Beirut, but outside the capital, standards are considerably lower. Weather, Currency Exchange

LEBANON WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Beirut: CURRENCY 1 Lebanese 1 US Dollar 1 Euro = Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES Pound = = Euro 1.0000 0.0006 0.8423 High: 87° High: 87° High: 88° High: 88° High: 88° Lebanese 1,797.4129 1.0000 1,513.9807 F (30° C) F (30° C) F (31° C) F (31° C) F (31° C) Pound Low: 81° Low: 80° Low: 81° Low: 82° Low: 82° US Dollar 1.1872 0.0007 1.0000 F (27° C) F (26° C) F (27° C) F (27° C) F (27° C)

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