On September 6, 2013, the U.S. Department of State approved an Ordered Departure for the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, mandating the departure of all non-emergency mission staff and employees. According to the Travel Warning issued on September 6, the drawdown is due to potential threats to U.S. Mission facilities and personnel. The Travel Warning also advises U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon because of current safety and security concerns.