Asiri Warns of Security 'Deterioration' in Lebanon, Rules Out Threats against Embassy
Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asiri said on Wednesday that the security situation in Lebanon is “deteriorating,” denying that the mission received lately any threats.
“We haven't received any threats in particular but we are taking all the necessary security measures,” Asiri said in comments published in the Saudi al-Watan daily on the sidelines of the third general meeting of Saudi ambassadors and heads of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's missions abroad.
Asiri pointed out that the Saudi embassy in Lebanon has “established security plans that would fit any unexpected development.”
Asked about the conditions of Saudi nationals present in Lebanon, the diplomat said that “there aren't several compatriots in Beirut,” considering that the security situation is “deteriorating.”
“We have already warned our citizens not to head to Lebanon and we are following up the status of the nationals who are already there,” Asiri said.
In November, Saudi Arabia's embassy in Beirut has called on citizens to leave Lebanon because of the dangerous situation.
The warning came two days after a twin suicide bombings killed 25 people near the Beirut embassy of Saudi's regional rival Iran, which is located in the stronghold of Tehran ally Hizbullah.
Media reports said Lebanon had "entered into the era of suicide bombings," adding that the attackers had "resorted to the takfiri (extremist Sunni) heritage sponsored by the Saudi kingdom with millions of dollars".
Saudi Arabia supports the rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad.
An al-Qaida-affiliated group, the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it is aimed at pressuring Hizbullah to withdraw its fighters from Syria.
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