CIS LEBANON SECURITY INDEX – March 3 2026

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Ramadan Day 14 | DAY 4 OF ACTIVE WAR

🔴🔴🔴 MAXIMUM EMERGENCY — INDEX: 99/100 🔴🔴🔴

LEBANON IS AT WAR

PREVIOUS INDEX: 89/100 (February 19, 2026) TODAY’S INDEX: 99/100 — CATASTROPHIC CHANGE: ⬆️ +10 POINTS — LARGEST SINGLE ESCALATION IN THIS INDEX’S HISTORY STATUS: ACTIVE MULTI-FRONT WAR — BEIRUT STRUCK FOR 2ND CONSECUTIVE DAY — GROUND INVASION UNDERWAY IN THE SOUTH — 30,000+ NEWLY DISPLACED — AIRPORT PARTIALLY OPERATIONAL BUT RAPIDLY DEGRADING

⚠️ CRITICAL NOTICE TO ALL CIS CLIENTS AND READERS: This edition of the Lebanon Security Index reflects a fundamentally transformed security environment. Lebanon is no longer in a state of elevated tension or crisis — Lebanon is in an active war. All previous security frameworks, travel advisories, and threat assessments are superseded by this update. Read in full before taking any action.

🚨 WHAT HAPPENED: THE TIMELINE TO WAR (FEB 28 – MARCH 3)

Understanding today’s situation requires understanding the five-day sequence that brought Lebanon to this point:

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28: The United States and Israel jointly launched Operation Epic Fury — a massive air campaign against Iran targeting nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and military command. In the opening minutes of the assault, Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This triggered an immediate regional shockwave.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1: Hezbollah — despite the Lebanese government’s urgent pleas to stay out — announced it “would not leave the field of honor and resistance.” Thousands gathered in Dahiyeh in mourning and solidarity with Iran. Beirut remained tense but physically quiet. Airports saw mass cancellations; queues formed at fuel stations and supermarkets. The US Embassy ordered departure of all non-emergency personnel on February 23 — a pre-positioning that proved prescient.

EARLY MONDAY, MARCH 2 — 2:40AM: Hezbollah launched a barrage of precision missiles and a swarm of drones toward the Haifa area in northern Israel — the first cross-border attack since the November 2024 ceasefire. Hezbollah stated it was “revenge for the blood of the Supreme Leader of the Muslims, Ali Khamenei.” No Israeli casualties were reported from the rocket fire, but Israel’s response was overwhelming and immediate.

MONDAY, MARCH 2 — FULL DAY: Israel launched more than 70 strikes across Lebanon within hours. Dahiyeh, Haret Hreik, Jamous, and Burj al-Barajneh in Beirut’s southern suburbs were hit in the most intensive bombardment of Beirut since 2024. At least 52 people were killed and 154 injured on Monday alone. Evacuation warnings were issued for over 50 villages across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa. Israel confirmed it killed Hezbollah intelligence chief Hussein Makled in the overnight Beirut strikes. Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander Adham al-Othman — head of PIJ’s Lebanon sector — was also killed in Dahiyeh strikes. Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam condemned

Hezbollah’s rocket fire as “irresponsible and suspicious” and convened an emergency cabinet meeting, declaring a total ban on all Hezbollah military activities and demanding the group surrender weapons to the state. Israel’s Defense Minister Katz declared Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem a “marked target for elimination.”

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 — TODAY (DAY 4): Lebanon is now in a second consecutive day of strikes on Beirut. Israeli forces have launched a new ground incursion into southern Lebanon, described by the IDF as a “forward defence” measure. The Lebanese Army has withdrawn from at least 7 — and by some accounts 50+ — border positions to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Hezbollah fired rockets and drones again today,

including a drone attack on Ramat David airbase in northern Israel. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir stated: “We are determined to eliminate the threat Hezbollah poses and will not stop until this organisation is disarmed.” Israel has called up tens of thousands of reservists. Five IDF divisions are assembled on the northern border.

🚨 BREAKING DEVELOPMENTS — TUESDAY MARCH 3, 2026 (LIVE)

🔴 BREAKING #1 — BEIRUT STRUCK FOR 2ND CONSECUTIVE DAY: DAHIYEH HIT MULTIPLE TIMES

Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs of Dahiyeh with a “new series of intense Israeli air raids” on Tuesday afternoon, according to Lebanon’s state news agency. Earlier the same morning, at least three more strikes hit the same area. Israeli strikes have now hit the building housing Al-Manar channel studios in Dahiyeh. Extensive damage to residential and commercial buildings has been reported. The combined toll from Monday through Tuesday now stands at a minimum of 52 dead and 154 wounded, with Tuesday’s numbers still being tallied.

🔴 BREAKING #2 — ISRAELI GROUND INCURSION CONFIRMED IN SOUTH LEBANON

The IDF officially confirmed its forces “are operating in southern Lebanon” in what it describes as a “forward defence” measure. Israeli ground forces have moved into border towns. Lebanese Army channels and Al-Manar separately confirmed the army has withdrawn from more than 50 border positions to avoid direct confrontation with advancing Israeli forces. A Lebanese military source told Al Jazeera that “the army has pulled its troops back from the border area to ensure their safety.” Reuters confirmed withdrawal from at least seven forward operating positions. Israeli forces entered the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab, Yaroun, and Kfar Kila following artillery preparation.

🔴 BREAKING #3 — ISRAEL STRIKES JAMAA ISLAMIYA HQ IN SIDON

Israel struck the headquarters of Jamaa Islamiya — an ally of Hezbollah and Hamas — in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon. This marks a significant expansion of Israeli targeting beyond Hezbollah proper to include allied Islamist groups. Sidon had been largely spared during the 2024 war. A building collapsed in Tyre after Israeli strikes targeted offices of Al-Qard al-Hassan, Hezbollah’s financial institution. Israel struck approximately 70 Hezbollah weapon depots and rocket launching sites during Monday’s operations alone, as well as multiple Al-Qard al-Hassan branches across Lebanon, claiming these are used to store money, manage salaries, transfer Iranian funds, and purchase weapons.

🔴 BREAKING #4 — HEZBOLLAH: “THE ERA OF PATIENCE HAS ENDED — OPEN WAR”

Hezbollah issued its most unambiguous war statement to date on Tuesday, declaring: “Israel wanted open war, so let it be an open war. The era of patience has ended.” Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone attack today on Ramat David airbase in northern Israel, targeting radar sites and control rooms. This is Hezbollah’s second consecutive day of active strikes on Israel. Despite the declaration, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has given no public statements or speeches during the current escalation — notable given his previous communications pattern.

🔴 BREAKING #5 — FIVE IDF DIVISIONS ASSEMBLED; FULL INVASION POSSIBLE

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Zamir convened an unusually large northern command briefing attended by five IDF division commanders: Divisions 210, 91, 146, 162, and 36 — the largest assembly of divisional commanders at any single briefing during the 2023-2025 wars in Gaza or Lebanon. Zamir stated Operation Roaring Lion “will end with Hezbollah suffering a devastating blow.” The IDF has called up tens of thousands of reservists for northern border deployment. An Israeli security source told Saudi channel Al-Hadath that Israel is “preparing to expand the campaign in Lebanon, including the possibility of a ground incursion.” Israel’s official position: not planning full invasion for now — but notably, has not ruled it out.

🔴 BREAKING #6 — LEBANESE ARMY WITHDRAWS FROM BORDER; DISARMAMENT PLAN SUSPENDED

The Lebanese Armed Forces have formally evacuated “advanced positions” along the southern border. This effectively suspends Phase 2 of the army’s disarmament plan, which President Aoun and Gen. Haykal had told the Quintet was underway just 12 days ago. The army’s calculated withdrawal reflects its tactical reality: it cannot resist Israeli forces directly and must preserve its capabilities. The fate of Phase 2 — and the entire disarmament framework — is now deeply uncertain.

🔴 BREAKING #7 — 30,000+ NEWLY DISPLACED IN 48 HOURS; SCHOOLS CONVERTED TO SHELTERS

UNHCR confirmed at least 30,000 newly displaced people have sought protection in shelters in Lebanon since hostilities began Monday. “Many more slept in their cars on the side of roads or were still stuck in traffic jams,” said UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch. Schoolchildren in Beirut were not heading to school Tuesday — most schools have been converted to receive the newly displaced. This displacement is on top of the 64,000 already displaced from the November 2024 ceasefire period, bringing total displacement to potentially 94,000+ Lebanese.

🔴 BREAKING #8 — AIRPORT: OPEN BUT DEGRADING RAPIDLY — DEPART NOW

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport remains technically open, but the situation is deteriorating fast:

• More than 70 flights cancelled since Friday February 28
• Air France, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa Group, British Airways, KLM, Emirates, Oman Air, Gulf Air, Air Arabia have all suspended or severely reduced Beirut operations
• Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, ITA, Eurowings) suspended Beirut through March 8
• Air Arabia suspended Lebanon flights through March 5
• Turkish Airlines cancelled all Lebanon flights (no end date confirmed)
• Middle East Airlines (MEA) remains partially operational — the only major carrier still actively flying; added Cyprus route as alternative
• The US Embassy states: “The commercial airport remains open and there is availability on commercial carriers, however flights may be cancelled at any time”
• US EMBASSY URGENT ADVISORY: “Depart Lebanon NOW while commercial flight options remain available. All consular services are suspended.”

🔴 BREAKING #9 — US EMBASSY: ALL CONSULAR SERVICES SUSPENDED; DO NOT TRAVEL

The US Embassy Beirut issued a March 2 Security Alert with maximum urgency:

• “The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable”
• Urges all US citizens to depart Lebanon immediately via commercial flights while available
• All consular services are suspended until further notice
• Embassy cannot provide any assistance to US citizens currently in Lebanon
• Strongly urges immediate departure from: Southern Lebanon, Syrian border areas, refugee settlements, and the Dahiyeh neighbourhood of Beirut
• The Embassy previously ordered departure of all non-emergency US government personnel on February 23 — before the current escalation

🔴 BREAKING #10 — PARIS CONFERENCE POSTPONED; DIPLOMATIC TRACK COLLAPSED

The international conference in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces, scheduled for Paris on March 5, was postponed on March 1 — the day after Operation Epic Fury launched — due to escalating tensions. This removes the primary diplomatic and financial support mechanism for the Lebanese Army’s disarmament plan from the near-term calendar. The postponement, combined with the army’s border withdrawal, represents the near-total collapse of the post-ceasefire diplomatic framework in the space of four days.

🔴 BREAKING #11 — PM SALAM BANS HEZBOLLAH MILITARY ACTIVITY; ORDERS ARRESTS

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam made an extraordinary declaration on Monday:

• Formally banned all Hezbollah military activities in a cabinet statement
• Demanded Hezbollah “surrender its weapons to the state and restrict itself to political activities only”
• Justice Minister Adel Nassar ordered the public prosecutor to arrest those responsible for firing rockets from Lebanon
• Salam called the rocket attacks “irresponsible and suspicious acts outside the authority of the Lebanese state that endanger national security”
• President Aoun declared the ban “final” with “no turning back”
• Hezbollah’s response: Mohammed Raad, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, condemned Beirut’s “swaggering decisions,” saying “the Lebanese were expecting a decision rejecting the aggression.” Raad’s whereabouts are currently unknown; his body is reportedly being searched for in rubble following Israeli strikes

🔴 BREAKING #12 — REGIONAL WAR CONTEXT: IRAN DEATH TOLL 787+; US DEEPENS OPERATIONS

The broader regional war context as of Tuesday, March 3:

• Iran death toll from US-Israeli strikes: 787 people (Al Jazeera)
• 1,000-1,500 IRGC/Iranian security personnel killed (Israeli estimates, Jerusalem Post)
• Iran’s Strait of Hormuz closure sending oil prices toward $100/barrel
• Iranian cluster missile struck Tel Aviv this morning (Megatron reporting, unconfirmed officially)
• US Secretary of State Rubio: attacks will “increase in scope and intensity in next hours and days”
• Trump says operation will last 4-5 weeks but is “prepared to go far longer”
• US casualties so far: 3 killed in Kuwait Embassy compound attack
• NATO Secretary General Rutte praised US-Israel action as degrading Iran’s nuclear capability
• France extending nuclear deterrence framework to allies
• No end in sight to Operation Epic Fury

🌡️ GOVERNORATE SECURITY INDEX — MARCH 3, 2026

⚠️ NOTE: All previous governorate frameworks have been superseded. This is a wartime assessment.

🏙️ BEIRUT

Index: 97/100 🔴 | ACTIVE COMBAT ZONE

Beirut has been struck on two consecutive days. The southern suburbs of Dahiyeh — Haret Hreik, Jamous, Burj al-Barajneh, and Burj Qalaway — have experienced the most intensive Israeli bombardment since the 2024 war. Israeli strikes specifically targeted:

• Hezbollah command centres and weapons storage in Dahiyeh
• Al-Manar channel building (Hezbollah’s TV station, struck today)
• Multiple Al-Qard al-Hassan branches across Beirut (Hezbollah’s financial network)
• Senior Hezbollah officials (Intelligence Chief Makled confirmed killed; Raad’s fate unknown)

The airport remains open but is under severe operational pressure with 70+ cancellations and most major carriers suspended. The window to depart is narrowing. Roads between Dahiyeh and the airport remain passable currently but the situation can change without warning.

30,000 newly displaced people are in schools and shelters across Beirut, with thousands more sleeping in cars or stuck in traffic fleeing the southern suburbs. Most Beirut schools are closed to students, open to displaced families.

The Lebanese government — officially — has banned Hezbollah military activity and ordered arrests of those who fired rockets. This is an extraordinary constitutional moment, but its practical effect on Hezbollah’s operations is unclear.

URGENT GUIDANCE: Anyone in Dahiyeh or its immediate surroundings should depart immediately. If remaining in Beirut, shelter away from Hezbollah-associated infrastructure. Monitor CIS alerts continuously. Have a departure plan that does not depend on US Embassy assistance (suspended). If considering flying out, act today — the airport window may not remain open.

🏞️ MOUNT LEBANON

Index: 88/100 🔴 | CRITICAL — MASS DISPLACEMENT RECEIVING ZONE

Mount Lebanon is now receiving tens of thousands of people fleeing Dahiyeh, south Lebanon, and the Bekaa. Roads northward from Beirut were gridlocked Monday night and Tuesday morning. Schools and community centres are overwhelmed.

While Mount Lebanon has not itself been directly struck, proximity to Dahiyeh and the general Israeli targeting pattern means no area of Greater Beirut can be considered safe. Road blockages — both from protest (ongoing fuel crisis) and from mass displacement traffic — create movement hazards.

GUIDANCE: Avoid roads heading south toward Beirut or Dahiyeh. Expect extreme traffic on northbound coastal highway. Monitor for any Israeli targeting expansion beyond Dahiyeh.

🌊 NORTH LEBANON & TRIPOLI

Index: 82/100 🔴 | ELEVATED — RECEIVING DISPLACED POPULATIONS

North Lebanon and Tripoli are receiving displaced populations from the south and Beirut suburbs. The city’s already-strained infrastructure is under additional pressure. No direct Israeli strikes have been reported in the north today, but the northern region remains within Hezbollah’s sphere of influence and Israeli targeting could expand.

The Syrian border corridor adds risk: any spillover from Syria’s instability during the wider regional war could affect northern Lebanon.

GUIDANCE: Remain vigilant. Monitor the situation. Prepare emergency shelter options. Avoid Syrian border crossing areas.

🌲 AKKAR

Index: 83/100 🔴 | ELEVATED — BORDER WATCH

Akkar’s Syrian border zone is of heightened concern as the regional war broadens. Iran-linked weapons transit corridors through Syria into Lebanon make border areas potential Israeli targeting zones. No confirmed strikes in Akkar today, but the risk profile has elevated materially since February 28.

GUIDANCE: Avoid Syrian border areas. Monitor for any Israeli expansion of strikes into northern Lebanon.

🍇 BEQAA VALLEY

Index: 96/100 🔴 | ACTIVE COMBAT ZONE

The Bekaa Valley is one of the most heavily targeted regions in the current escalation. Israeli evacuation warnings have been issued for areas across the Bekaa. On February 20, Israeli strikes in the Bekaa Valley killed at least 10 people and wounded 24, including three children — prior to the current escalation.

Now that Hezbollah has officially re-entered the conflict, the Bekaa — as Hezbollah’s strategic rear and primary Iran-arms corridor — is subject to maximum Israeli targeting pressure. The Bekaa contains Hezbollah’s deepest weapons infrastructure, tunnel networks, and community support base.

The Syrian border closures (four crossings bombed January 22; Masna area struck February 16) have already severed key supply routes. Continued operations in the Bekaa are certain.

GUIDANCE: Evacuate the Bekaa Valley if at all possible. Particularly: Baalbek district, Hermel corridor, Masna border zone. Do not remain in buildings known or suspected to have Hezbollah associations. Move to areas away from known infrastructure.

🕌 BAALBEK-HERMEL

Index: 98/100 🔴 | MAXIMUM DANGER — ACTIVE TARGETING THROUGHOUT

Baalbek-Hermel is one of the two most dangerous areas in Lebanon today (alongside Nabatieh). It is Hezbollah’s spiritual and operational heartland, contains its deepest weapons infrastructure, and serves as the primary corridor to Syria and Iran. Israeli strikes here have been sustained throughout the current escalation and will intensify.

Evacuation notices have been issued for significant areas across this governorate. Remaining in Baalbek-Hermel in areas with any Hezbollah presence is extremely dangerous. The IDF’s explicit goal — stated by Chief of Staff Zamir — is to eliminate Hezbollah’s capabilities entirely, and Baalbek-Hermel is the primary target zone for that objective.

GUIDANCE: EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY if possible. This is the highest-risk non-border governorate in Lebanon. Move north, away from known Hezbollah infrastructure. Do not shelter in or near any building associated with Hezbollah, Amal, or affiliated groups.

🏛️ KESERWAN-JBEIL

Index: 79/100 🔴 | ELEVATED — RELATIVELY SAFER BUT NOT SAFE

Keserwan-Jbeil has not been directly targeted in the current escalation. It remains one of the relatively safer areas of Lebanon — but in the context of an active regional war with unpredictable escalation, no area can be guaranteed safe. The airport, located in the southern Beirut area, creates a movement corridor that intersects with conflict zones.

GUIDANCE: Remain sheltered. Do not make unnecessary journeys. Prepare emergency plans. If departure from Lebanon is planned, now is the time — not later.

🌴 SOUTH LEBANON

Index: 99/100 🔴 | ACTIVE WAR ZONE — DO NOT ENTER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

South Lebanon is the epicentre of the active ground war. Key confirmed facts as of today:

GROUND INCURSION: Israeli forces are confirmed “operating in southern Lebanon” in a new ground offensive. The Lebanese Army has withdrawn from 7-50+ border positions. Israeli forces have entered outskirts of Aita al-Shaab, Yaroun, and Kfar Kila.

ACTIVE STRIKES (MARCH 3): Israeli strikes confirmed today across Kfar Sir, Zrariyeh, Siddiqine, Al-Qatrani, Ain al-Samahiya, Zawtar, Bireqaa-Qsaibeh road, Al-Naqaa area of Aitaroun, Kfarreman, Aadchit-Qsaibeh, Tarfalsiyeh, Deir Qanoun Al-Nahr, Shahour, Sarafand, Kfar Tebnit, Yahmar Al-Shaqif, Maroun Al-Ras.

SIDON STRIKES: Israel struck the Jamaa Islamiya headquarters in Sidon and the Al-Qard al-Hassan building in Tyre (building collapsed). Sidon — relatively spared in 2024 — is now a target.

EVACUATION NOTICES: Israel issued forced displacement notices for 59 areas of Lebanon, including multiple Dahiyeh neighbourhoods and dozens of southern Lebanese villages and towns.

HEZBOLLAH RE-ENGAGED: Hezbollah launched rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel on both Monday and Tuesday. The Lebanese government has ordered their arrest; Hezbollah has declared open war.

ROCKETS CONTINUING TODAY: Images from the Israel-Lebanon border show active rocket fire from southern Lebanon toward Israel as of March 3.

GUIDANCE: DO NOT ENTER SOUTH LEBANON. DO NOT REMAIN IN SOUTH LEBANON. Anyone currently in the south should evacuate northward immediately via the fastest available route. Avoid roads that cross areas with active strikes (check real-time updates). Head toward Sidon, then north to Beirut or further north.

⛪ NABATIEH

Index: 99/100 🔴 | ACTIVE WAR ZONE — DO NOT ENTER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

Nabatieh Governorate — including the Bint Jbeil District, site of the most intense 2024 ground fighting — is in an active combat zone today. Israeli strikes have hit Aitaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Yaroun (where Israeli ground forces entered), and multiple other Nabatieh localities today.

Bint Jbeil town received Israeli evacuation warnings. Artillery shelling has been reported across multiple Nabatieh district towns. The Lebanese Army has withdrawn from this zone.

GUIDANCE: EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. There is no safe location in Nabatieh Governorate today. Head north toward Sidon and then toward Beirut or further north. Avoid roads through active artillery zones.

🎯 CRITICAL INTELLIGENCE BRIEF — MARCH 3, 2026

🔥 ACTIVE THREAT MATRIX — RIGHT NOW

🌍 STRATEGIC ANALYSIS: WHERE THIS IS GOING

SCENARIO 1 — CONTINUED AIR CAMPAIGN (MOST LIKELY, SHORT TERM) Israel continues intensive airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure across Lebanon — Dahiyeh, Bekaa, South — while conducting limited ground operations along the border. Hezbollah fires rockets and drones daily, causing disruption but no major Israeli casualties. This situation continues for 1-2 weeks while the Iran campaign concludes.

SCENARIO 2 — FULL-SCALE GROUND INVASION (ELEVATED RISK) The assembly of five IDF divisions, active reservist call-up, and explicit statements from Zamir (“we will not stop until Hezbollah is disarmed”) suggest Israel may expand to a full ground operation in south Lebanon and the Bekaa. This would be the most destructive scenario for Lebanon since 2006, with catastrophic humanitarian consequences.

SCENARIO 3 — CEASEFIRE BROKERED (LOWER PROBABILITY, SHORT TERM) US pressure on Lebanon government + Hezbollah isolation + Iranian leadership killed = potential leverage for a rapid ceasefire. However, Hezbollah’s declaration of “open war” and Israel’s stated objective of full disarmament create almost incompatible conditions for an immediate ceasefire. Probability in next 72 hours: LOW.

SCENARIO 4 — REGIONAL EXPANSION (REAL RISK) Iran’s reported cluster missile strike on Tel Aviv today, Hezbollah’s drone attack on Ramat David airbase, Iraqi militia attacks on US forces in Baghdad and Irbil, and Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure all point toward widening regional war. Lebanon becomes one of multiple simultaneous fronts.

📱 EMERGENCY GUIDANCE — MARCH 3, 2026

🚨 IMMEDIATE PRIORITY ACTIONS FOR ALL PERSONS IN LEBANON:

1. ASSESS YOUR LOCATION NOW Are you in Dahiyeh, South Lebanon, Nabatieh, Baalbek-Hermel, or the Bekaa Valley? LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. These are active combat zones with lethal strikes ongoing today.

2. DEPARTURE FROM LEBANON — ACT TODAY The airport is open but the window is narrowing. Major carriers have suspended operations through March 5-8. MEA remains partially operational. If you are a foreign national or have the means to depart, do so now. Do not wait for the situation to stabilise — by the time it appears stable, the airport may be closed.

3. IF DEPARTURE IS NOT POSSIBLE — SHELTER IN PLACE Move to the northern half of Lebanon: Keserwan-Jbeil, Jounieh, Jbeil (Byblos), Tripoli. Avoid Dahiyeh, any area south of the Damour River, and the entire Bekaa Valley. Identify your building’s safest room (interior, away from windows, lowest floor above ground level, or reinforced areas). Stock 72+ hours of water, food, and medication.

4. COMMUNICATIONS PLAN Ensure family members know your location. Identify a check-in schedule. The US Embassy cannot assist American citizens — all consular services are suspended. Contact your own country’s embassy (if applicable) for current guidance.

5. AVOID:

• Dahiyeh and all southern Beirut suburbs
• Any building associated with Hezbollah, Al-Qard al-Hassan, Al-Manar, or Hezbollah-affiliated institutions
• South Lebanon and Nabatieh entirely
• Bekaa Valley, especially Baalbek-Hermel
• Syrian border crossings (four bombed; all high-risk)
• Large gatherings and protests
• Roads leading south from Beirut

6. MONITOR:

• CIS Security alerts: +961-3-539900
• UNHCR displacement updates
• Lebanese Army NNA for real-time strike information
• Al Jazeera English live blog (running 24/7)
• Middle East Airlines (MEA) flight availability

✈️ AIRPORT & DEPARTURE ADVISORY — MARCH 3, 2026

Airport Status: Open as of this morning. Situation can change at any time without notice. Lebanese law requires airport to remain open unless directly struck or airspace ordered closed by government. No such order has been issued as of publication.

CIS Recommendation: If departing, go directly to the airport now. Do not wait. Bring only essential documents and items. Road from Dahiyeh to airport passes through conflict-adjacent zones — use northern approach roads if possible.

📊 SITUATION DASHBOARD — MARCH 3, 2026

🛡️ CIS SECURITY — WARTIME OPERATIONS: MARCH 3, 2026

CIS Security has activated full wartime operational protocols.

Trusted Security Excellence Since 1990 — “Because Your Safety Isn’t Optional” Lebanon’s Most Reviewed Security Company | 35+ Years of Crisis and Conflict Experience

ACTIVE WARTIME SERVICES:

Emergency Evacuation Coordination Route assessment for departure from south Lebanon, Nabatieh, Bekaa, and Dahiyeh. Real-time road condition intelligence. Coordination with army checkpoints and UNIFIL positions where still accessible. Personal escort for high-risk evacuation scenarios.

Shelter-in-Place Assessment Professional assessment of building safety in conflict-adjacent areas. Identification of safest shelter rooms. Supply logistics for extended shelter periods. Community security for apartment buildings and residential complexes.

24/7 Wartime Intelligence Real-time strike location monitoring. Israeli evacuation notice tracking. Ground incursion movement updates. Airport and road status intelligence updated hourly.

Family Reunification Security Coordination for families separated by displacement. Secure communication protocols. Meeting point establishment and protection.

Business Emergency Response Asset protection in conflict zones. Staff safety protocols. Supply chain emergency assessment. Business continuity planning for extended conflict scenario.

📞 EMERGENCY CONTACT — CIS SECURITY

24/7 Emergency Wartime Hotline: +961-3-539900 Website: www.cissecurity.net Priority: Evacuation requests | Shelter assessment | Emergency intelligence | Personal protection

CIS Security is operational across all accessible Lebanese governorates. In active combat zones (south Lebanon, Nabatieh, Dahiyeh, Bekaa), we are working to maintain contact with clients and provide guidance. Please call immediately if you require assistance.

⚠️ FINAL URGENT NOTICE — MARCH 3, 2026

Lebanon is at war. This is not a crisis, an escalation, or a deterioration of the security environment. It is an active, multi-front war with ground operations, sustained air bombardment of the capital, 30,000+ newly displaced, a Lebanese Army withdrawing from its positions, and five Israeli divisions assembled on the border.

The window for safe departure via commercial air is open today. It may not be open tomorrow.

If you are in Lebanon and have the means to leave: LEAVE NOW. If you cannot leave: shelter in the north, away from Dahiyeh, the south, and the Bekaa. Monitor CIS Security alerts continuously. Call +961-3-539900 for emergency assistance.

Ramadan Mubarak to all Lebanese communities — may this holy month, against all odds, bring the ceasefire and peace that Lebanon deserves.

CIS Lebanon Security Index™ — Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Day 4 of Active War | Ramadan Day 14 Compiled from verified breaking sources: Al Jazeera (live blog, published today); Times of Israel (live blog Feb 28-Mar 3); Human Rights Watch (March 2, 2026 news release); CNBC US-Iran War Live Updates (today); NPR (March 2, 2026); The National (today); Reuters (today); AP (today, via multiple outlets); CNN (today); Security Council Report (March 2026 Monthly Forecast); Asharq al-Awsat (today);

FDD Overnight Brief (March 3); US Embassy Beirut Security Alert (March 2, 2026); US Embassy Beirut Ordered Departure Notice (February 23, 2026); L’Orient Today; Euronews flight tracker (updated today); Travel and Tour World; Wikipedia — 2026 Hezbollah-Israel Strikes; Pravda EN field report (today); MadaMasr (today); Jerusalem Post (today); Profile News Live Blog (today) All cited events are from named, credible sources. Wartime intelligence is necessarily incomplete and evolving — monitor continuously. Index published Tuesday March 3, 2026.