Beirut: A US State Department official announced Monday that the department has ordered the departure of non-essential US government personnel and their eligible family members from the US Embassy in Beirut, following a recent security review.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the official explained in a press statement that the State Department is continuously assessing the security environment, and based on the latest review, it was decided to reduce the diplomatic presence to essential personnel only, while maintaining the embassy’s operations with its core staff.

The official noted that this decision is a temporary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of personnel, while simultaneously maintaining the embassy’s ability to continue its operations and provide assistance to US citizens.