Ten thousand Alawites have fled to Lebanon due to sectarian violence in Syria, raising concerns about renewed conflict, particularly in northern Tripoli. Over 1,300 deaths have been reported in Syria, and weaponsmuggling is escalating tensions. The Lebanese government is on high alert, fearing potential incursions from Syrian forces, while Hezbollah’s influence complicates the situation further.
In the last five days, around 10,000 members of the Alawite minority have fled sectarian violence in Syria into Lebanon, specifically targeting northern regions. This influx is raising concerns about a resurgence of sectarian conflict, particularly in places like Bab Al Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen in Tripoli, which have previously experienced violent clashes between Sunni and Alawite groups.
Tragically, over the weekend, approximately 1,300 individuals, most of them Alawites, have been reported dead due to escalating violence in Syria, as per the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The current surge in violence, starting with the killing of two pro-government forces, is contributing to heightened fears for Lebanon’s stability.
Security measures have been heightened in the predominantly Alawite Jabal Mohsen area to control the unrest. Sources indicate that the local situation remains precarious, with community tensions threatening to escalate further, especially as Tripoli’s population is primarily Sunni Muslim. The longstanding conflicts between neighborhoods supporting varying political factions continue to pose risks for regional peace.
Moreover, the chaos in Syria has led to a smuggling surge for firearms, troubling Lebanon, which continues to face weapons proliferation due to the recent collapse of the Syrian army. This panorama has allowed local arms dealers to prosper, making weaponry accessible at alarming prices. Reports indicate that an AK-47 can now be obtained for as little as $25 through illegal routes.
Lebanon’s government has attempted to control border crossings with Syria, limiting official routes but with illegal crossings persisting, particularly in northern regions. Hezbollah remains heavily armed as a significant player in Lebanese politics, reflecting the ongoing tensions stemming from previous civil conflicts.
Officials are increasingly worried about potential incursions from Syrian pro-government forces across the border, particularly targeting fleeing Alawites. Additionally, reports suggest that Syrian militias are gathering troops near Lebanon’s border, particularly in sensitive regions like the Bekaa Valley, prompting concerns of large-scale conflict.
The new regime in Syria, particularly influenced by the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham group, is taking steps to disrupt Hezbollah’s smuggling operations. This could lead to confrontations along the border and attempts to initiate a major offensive against Hezbollah, further complicating the already volatile regional dynamics.
The recent influx of Alawite refugees fleeing violence in Syria has reignited fears of sectarian conflict in Lebanon, particularly in Tripoli. With ongoing violence resulting in significant casualties, the geopolitical landscape remains tense, with potential incursions from Syrian forces a growing concern. The instability exacerbated by arms smuggling and local militia violence highlights a precarious situation, signaling the necessity for heightened security measures and international attention to prevent further escalation of conflict.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
