Trump proudly announces US airlines may now fly to war-ravaged Lebanon: 'Enjoy!'

President Donald Trump on Tuesday lifted a 41-year halt on direct flights to Lebanon from the U.S.

The suspension of direct flights was imposed by Ronald Reagan in 1985 after a Rome-bound TWA flight was hijacked by Hezbollah terrorists shortly after taking off from Athens. During the 17-day affair, the hijackers shot and killed a U.S. Navy diver who was aboard the flight.

The incident inspired the movie The Delta Force starring Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin.

Israeli forces invaded southern Lebanon in March after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel amid the ongoing war against Iran, which Israel and the U.S. launched in February. The two sides agreed to a ceasefire in June, but Lebanon has accused Israel, which still occupies parts of the country, of violating the agreement.

On Tuesday afternoon, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had spoken with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and will be reversing the pause on direct flights.

After meeting with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, who has done a remarkable job working to transform his Country, I am hereby directing my Administration to allow all U.S. airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit this beautiful land. Hopefully, other Countries will do the same. Enjoy! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Trump’s own State Department strongly advises against traveling to Lebanon, which has been deemed Level 4, the highest and most dangerous rating the department gives.

“Do not travel to Lebanon for any reason due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict,” the advisory reads. The warning states that on February 23, the department “ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to depart Lebanon due to safety risks.”

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