Iran, proxy militias threaten US universities in Lebanon as Americans urged to flee now

close Video Americans stranded in the Middle East The U.S. State Department is finding ways to help Americans evacuate the Middle East. The department says over the past several days, more than 9,000 Americans have safely returned from the region. Of those 9,000, only 300 are from Israel. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Hören Sie sich diesen Artikel an 2 Min Iran and its proxy terrorist militias have issued targeted threats against universities in Lebanon, and the State Department has warned Americans to get out now while commercial flights are still available, U.S. officials said. Officials said Iran has "specifically threatened" American universities across the Middle East. The Beirut" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="93254" data-entity-type="organization">U.S. Embassy in Beirut described the security situation in Lebanon as "volatile and unpredictable." "Airstrikes, drones and rocket attacks occur throughout the country, especially in the south, the Beqaa, and parts of Beirut," officials wrote in a security alert. Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike hits a building near the airport road in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday. (Hussein Malla/AP) State Department URGES AMERICANS TO LEAVE Middle East AS AIRSPACE CLOSURES DISRUPT TRAVEL The Beirut" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="93254" data-entity-type="organization">U.S. Embassy in Beirut added that it strongly encourages U.S. citizens in southern Lebanon, near the border with Syria, in refugee settlements and in the southern suburbs of Beirut — including Dahiyeh — to depart those areas immediately. "We recommend that U.S. citizens in Lebanon who choose not to leave prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate further," according to the State Department. A man rides a scooter past a burned tree and charred debris after an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday. (Hassan Ammar/AP) Hezbollah, Iran UNLEASH COORDINATED CLUSTER BOMB STRIKES ON Israel IN MAJOR ESCALATION Commercial flights are being offered by Middle East Airlines, operating out of Beirut Rafic Hariri airport. Officials said Americans should strongly consider departing on one of the flights "if they believe it is safe to do so." The Beirut" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="93254" data-entity-type="organization">U.S. Embassy in Beirut is providing limited passport services on an emergency basis to U.S. citizens. An excavator clears debris at the site of an Israeli strike March 18 in the Zuqaq al-Blat district of central Beirut, Lebanon. (Khalil Ashawi/Reuters) All routine consular services, including visa operations, are suspended until further notice. Those who have plans to travel to Lebanon should cancel them, officials said. Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation. She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods. Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world." By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!