Sweden closes embassy in Beirut

Sweden is closing its embassy in Beirut and evacuating staff amid growing concerns that the Gaza conflict will develop into a regional conflict.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Bilström announced the move in comments to Sweden Radio, saying that embassy staff were instructed to head from Beirut to Cyprus and that the ministry is planning a temporary relocation of diplomatic missions.

This decision was “initiallyIn AugustHowever, depending on the security situation, it may be extended,” Bilström said.

The closure of embassies comes after many Western countries, including Sweden, issued travel warnings to their citizens to leave Lebanon.