Syria’s embassy in Lebanon has halted consular services following the arrest of relatives of Assad for passport fraud and the handover of former Syrian army officers to the new Syrian authorities. The changes reflect shifting power dynamics under the HTS’s governance, amidst rising tensions involving Kurdish groups and international discussions about stability and human rights in Syria.
Syria’s embassy in Lebanon has suspended its consular services following the apprehension of two relatives of deposed President Bashar Assad at Beirut airport for allegedly using forged passports. This announcement comes a day after Lebanese authorities deported numerous Syrians, including former officers of Assad’s army, to the newly established Syrian government, which is led by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Lebanese security officials noted that the suspension was enacted because the passports related to Assad’s relatives were thought to have been forged within the embassy itself. Reports confirmed that a significant number of Syrians, approximately 70, have been returned to the Syrian security forces by Lebanon. Meanwhile, HTS’s leadership has reportedly made efforts to ensure stability amid sporadic conflicts with pro-Assad factions and rising tensions involving Kurdish groups in northeastern Syria, sparking international discussions regarding the situation. Notably, the U.S. Secretary of State has engaged with Turkey’s Foreign Minister to address these developments and emphasize the importance of a Syrian-led political process that respects human rights.
The recent development of the Syrian embassy suspending its services is set against a backdrop of political changes in Syria following years of conflict. The rise of the HTS, previously an insurgent group, represents a significant shift in power dynamics, particularly with its ability to govern and control aspects of daily life in areas previously held by Assad loyalists. Lebanon’s role as a neighboring country has often found it at the intersection of Syrian affairs, especially with a history of Syrian influence in Lebanese politics. The situation also highlights ongoing regional tensions, particularly involving Kurdish forces and potential impacts from Turkish foreign policy, which complicate the plight of various ethnic and political groups in the region.
The suspension of services at Syria’s embassy in Lebanon signifies a critical moment in the evolving landscape of Syrian governance post-conflict. The return of former Syrian army officers to the new authorities further underscores the shifting allegiances and control in the region. International involvement, notably from the U.S. and Turkey, indicates an acknowledgment of the need for a balanced and inclusive approach in addressing the complexities faced by Syrian citizens and various ethnic groups in this new political climate.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
