A U.S. military team has arrived in Lebanon to assist in the evacuation of Americans trapped by the fighting, the U.S. Embassy confirmed Sunday.
The small group flew into Beirut on a Marine helicopter, according to U.S military sources.
The team will put the finishing touches on the plan to evacuate Americans who want to leave Lebanon, the source said. The United States is considering air and sea evacuations to the nearby island of Cyprus.
Senior State Department officials said on Saturday that the United States probably will not begin to evacuate American citizens for several days.
The Defense Department must first finish planning the move and transfer assets to the area of evacuation, and the State Department must notify Americans and make arrangements.
The State Department officials said Americans will be given plenty of notice so the move won't be a last-minute rush.
The officials said they expect about 15 percent of the estimated 25,000 American citizens in Lebanon to evacuate.
At least 20 people with medical issues were evacuated aboard two U.S. military helicopters Sunday, military sources said.
It was not immediately known if all of those evacuated were U.S. citizens.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut will stay in operation after the evacuation. Officials said the ambassador's office will be open, and political, security and consular services will continue, but might be short-staffed.
The State Department is asking Americans in Lebanon to stay in contact with the Embassy in Beirut through phone numbers (+961) 4-542-600 or 4-543-600.
People in the region or their relatives and friends can also call for information at 1-202-501-4444 from overseas, or 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States.
U.S. citizens can also register with the embassy online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.
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I understand that the Israelis are blockading the port of Beirut.
But I wonder if it'd be possible for the State Dept to put together a ship that would go into the port and load up as many Americans as possible and then depart for Cyprus?
I wonder if the Israelis would give permission for something like that?