The United States organized a charter flight on Wednesday to assist Americans in departing Lebanon, with plans to offer additional flights based on demand, according to a State Department spokesperson. The flight, which carried just over 100 people including Americans and their family members, flew from Beirut to Istanbul.
The State Department has been working to enhance flight capacity in the region by contracting with additional carriers to transport American citizens. The spokesperson mentioned that they hope to organize more flights in the coming days, depending on the level of demand.
Approximately 7,000 individuals have registered with the State Department to receive information about US-supported departure options from Lebanon. The spokesperson noted that while some may choose to leave the country, others may opt to stay, with plans possibly changing over time.
Despite these efforts to assist Americans leaving Lebanon, the Biden administration has not initiated a non-combatant evacuation (NEO) in the country. This process would support the ordered departure of nonessential American personnel from Lebanon.
