Mikati reassures on security after embassies' travel warnings

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has followed up with the caretakers ministers of foreign affairs and interior on the warnings issued by the embassies of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Germany for their citizens in Lebanon, Mikati's press office said.

"Following discussions with military and security chiefs, the available information indicates that the security situation in general does not call for concern and panic, and that the political and security contacts to address the Ain el-Helweh camp clashes have made major progress," the press office said.

"Things are being closely followed up to guarantee general stability and prevent security incidents or the targeting of citizens, residents and Arab and foreign tourists," it added.

Mikati also tasked caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib to "communicate with the Arab brothers to reassure them over the safety of their citizens in Lebanon."

He also asked caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi to "convene the Central Security Council to discuss the challenges that Lebanon is facing amid these tense regional circumstances and to take the appropriate decisions to preserve security in all regions."

The Army Command meanwhile denied social media rumors claiming that the army is "preparing to carry out a military operation in the Ain al-Helweh camp."

The Saudi embassy on Friday warned its citizens against "nearing the areas that are witnessing armed conflicts," while urging them to "quickly leave Lebanese territory and abide by the decision banning the travel of Saudis to Lebanon."

The Kuwaiti embassy for its part called on its citizens to "observe caution and vigilance, stay away from the sites of security disturbances in some regions, and abide by the instructions issued by the competent local authorities."