16:23 UN to evacuate all non-essential staff from Beirut (AP)
Sorry Associated Press, they all left this morning!
On CNN:
U.S. Navy task force is heading to Mediterranean to evacuate U.S. citizens from Lebanon, Pentagon officials say.
Wonder if Rummy finally got discusted with State?
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/18/lebanon.evacuation.int/index.html
Report: US sends 2,200 soldiers to evacuate citizens from Beirut
The United States sent five boats and 2,200 marines to evacuate American citizens from Beirut, according to reports on British news network Sky. (ynet)
(07.18.06, 16:29)
Hang in there!
Hi rebel_yell2. I just talked with people at the company I told you about and they first told me about the five ships in Beirut harbor, waiting to evac Americans, as in the Fox news item further above.
He said the Lebanese govt is not letting American ships dock. I don't know if that changed while he and I were talking just now, but he seems to think that the evacs on those ships will eventually happen and the port will allow the ships to dock.
The good news is that you are in the very best position you can be in, for someone in Beirut who is American and wants to get out.
He said the hotel will not be a target. As long as you have food, water and power, which the hotel will most likely be able to keep going for quite a long time, you are the least at-risk of any others. Phone and 'Net connections are just gravy.
Suggests you sit tight and will hear from Embassy person with short notice, maybe an hour or less. Be ready to bug out on moment's notice in order to be included. All papers, one bag, less than 30 pounds.
Whatever you do, nothing connected to Syria is a good idea. (However, he was softer about that than anyone else has been. He says to remember the borders are open now for 48 hours. I said "no thanks, we don't want to be hostages" - he said NO ONE has taken any hostages!)
He said food is the bargaining chip and when it really starts running low (not just grocery shelves - when the hotel starts having trouble feeding everyone), evacs will happen with protection.
I think that's everything. He feels like if you are prepared to hang in another 3-4 days, you'll be out of there before that.
Best of luck to you. You can call him, if you can call out to US - and discuss any further possibilities. They are almost as hamstrung as everyone else.