 BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) - The mass departure of U.S. citizens from Lebanon wound down Saturday, but the pain was just beginning for those with family ties to Lebanon. Many younger Lebanese-Americans were fleeing to safety, while the older generation who experienced the 1975-90 civil war, stayed behind despite the Israeli air assault. The State Department said 10,000 Americans had been evacuated from Lebanon by Saturday. Ten U.S. Navy vessels were in the area for the operation. Some 25,000 Americans were estimated to be in Lebanon when the Israeli offensive began, but less than half were expected to flee. The U.S. State Department said Saturday it was waiving a requirement that departing Americans reimburse the government for travel costs.| "You may fire when ready." |
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