Arab countries issue warning to citizens in Lebanon

As the civil unrest in Syria shows signs of spilling over the border into Lebanon four Arab states have issued warnings to their citizens to think about getting out. Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have all said that it is dangerous for citizens to remain in Lebanon as more Sunni Muslims are abducted by a Shia clan.

President Bashir al-Assad has been roundly condemned for the violence in Syria and the country has just been told it is not welcome at a meeting of Islamic states in Mecca. Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, Ekmeleddin Ihsanogly, said any regime responsible for killing its own countrymen is not welcome. Last November Syria was also ejected from the Arab League.

According to an official from the foreign ministry in the UAE, information has been received that UAE nationals are being targeted. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has also reportedly warned citizens against any unnecessary travel to Lebanon.

Refugees of the conflict in Syria have been spilling over the border into Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Lebanon. However, because Lebanon is already in a delicate state the violence across its border could result in sectarian strife and even civil war, analysts are warning.

There have already been reports of gun battles in the streets of Tripoli between supporters and opponents of the President Assad regime.