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Last update - 13:59 06/03/2008 U.S. urges citizens in Lebanon to keep low profile, fearing attack By Reuters Tags: Lebanon, U.S. The U.S. embassy in Lebanon has urged its citizens residing there to keep a low profile, citing concern that "extremist groups" may be planning attacks against Americans. "There is a general concern that extremist groups may be planning to attack U.S. citizens and interests in Lebanon," the embassy said in a statement dated March 4, posted on its Web site and circulated to U.S. citizens. The United States backs the anti-Syrian governing coalition which is locked in a 16-month-old power struggle with an opposition led by Hezbollah - a faction supported by Syria and Iran and which Washington lists as a terrorist group. Advertisement Tension has increased since the United States last week deployed three warships in the eastern Mediterranean off the coast of Lebanon to send a signal to Syria, which Washington accuses of meddling in the country. "The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens who live, work or are traveling in Lebanon to exercise responsible security practices," the statement said, adding that Americans should "avoid predictable or habitual behavior". Both Hezbollah and Syria criticised the deployment of the warships, saying it would endanger regional stability and prolong Lebanon's crisis. The political standoff, punctuated by assassinations, bombings and sectarian violence, has left Lebanon without a president since November and paralysed much of government. In January, a bomb damaged a U.S. diplomatic car and killed three people in a Christian suburb north of Beirut. The embassy restricted its staff movements after the blast. The assassination of Hezbollah military commander Imad Mughniyah in Damascus last month has added to tensions. Hezbollah said Israel was behind his killing, which Washington welcomed. Israel has denied involvement, but Moughniyah had been sought by its Mossad spy service for two decades and was also on the United States' most wanted list. Saudi Arabia, a staunch supporter of the Sunni-led ruling coalition, advised its citizens this month to leave Lebanon immediately due to the security situation. Many countries have advised their nationals against non-essential travel to Lebanon. Related articles: Manila nabs 3 allegedly plotting to bomb U.S., Israeli embassies Lebanese TV: Saudi, Kuwait urge nationals to leave Lebanon Bookmark to del.icio.us   Halimi, relived A Jewish teen is tortured where Ilan Halimi died in similar circumstances. Bus-bomb capital Four buses designed to thwart suicide bombings are tested in J'lem.   1.   Your country is a state in state 16:45  |  Opposition-winners 06/03/08   2.   Israel you lost the war 16:59  |  Opposition-winners 06/03/08   3.   Duh - the US keeps threatening Muslims 18:39  |  spyguy 06/03/08

Today Online Olmert: Talks with Syria worth serious consideration Responses: 84 Settlers agree to leave several illegal West Bank outposts Responses: 83 Gaza humanitarian situation said at worst point since 1967 Responses: 142 Soldier killed in strike on IDF jeep near Gaza border Responses: 84 Hamas: Cease-fire deal with Israel must include West Bank Responses: 42 Rosner's Domain What does the American voter want? Dennis Ross: I am not an Obama advisor (WTR) Americans have a favorable view of Israel. Democrats, less so Poll: Should Abbas and Olmert continue their talks? Rosner's Mailbox: McCain is a trimmer Sharon More Headlines 19:50 Four wounded as Qassam rocket hits Sderot home 19:35 Soldier killed, three others hurt in attack on IDF jeep near Gaza border 18:20 Hamas: Cease-fire deal must include West Bank 19:54 Damascus, Tehran sign eight memorandums of understanding 18:08 Those who left Hillary for dead, get ready for a long fight 18:27 U.K. Jewish school sued for barring pupil over conversion 11:59 Who leaked the details of a CIA-Mossad plot against Iran? 14:41 Olmert: Talks with Syria worth serious consideration 18:41 Muslim states call on UN rights body to condemn IDF's Gaza incursion 12:33 Barak refuses to exempt 1,000 Haredi men from army service 14:28 Three held in Manila over plot to bomb U.S., Israeli embassies Previous Editions Select Day 05 mar 04 mar 03 mar 02 mar 29 feb 28 feb 27 feb 26 feb 25 feb 24 feb 22 feb 21 feb

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