Canada urges citizens to leave Lebanon over 'volatile' security situation

Canada on Tuesday reiterated a call for its citizens to leave Lebanon while they can, saying the security situation in the country was becoming increasingly volatile and unpredictable due to the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

"My message to Canadians has been clear since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East: it is not the time to travel to Lebanon. And for Canadians currently in Lebanon, it is time to leave, while commercial flights remain available," Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement.

A government advisory said Canadians have been advised to avoid travelling to Lebanon since October due to the "deteriorating security situation, the continued risk of terrorist attacks and the ongoing armed conflict with Israel."

"The security situation can deteriorate further without warning," the advisory read.

"If the armed conflict intensifies it could impact your ability to depart the country by commercial means. It may result in travel disruptions, including airspace closures and flight cancellations and diversions."