News In Brief

US diplomats in Beirut to leave Muslim section

Most United States diplomats in Beirut are to move out of Muslim-controlled west Beirut for their personal security, US embassy spokesman Jon Stewart said Tuesday.

Embassy sources said three days ago that US intelligence had uncovered a plot by 100 pro-Iranian militants for a mass kidnapping of American academics and diplomats in west Beirut by the end of the month. US personnel have been under attack from Muslim militants in that section since last year.

Mr. Stewart said some 40 diplomats would move to residences in Christian-controlled east Beirut when the embassy opens new offices there shortly.