Thousands of Syrian Alawites are fleeing to northern Lebanon to escape violence as conflict intensifies between interim government forces and loyalists of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The influx of refugees in Akkar and Tripoli raises concerns over potential sectarian tensions and the need for government oversight to manage the situation effectively.
Recent reports indicate a significant influx of thousands of Syrian Alawites into northern Lebanon, fleeing escalating violence and clashes that have reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. This turmoil is particularly evident in Akkar, Lebanon’s northernmost governorate, where individuals are escaping the conflict between the interim government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa and supporters of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
President al-Sharaa stated that his forces are actively engaged in combat against insurgents who have perpetrated attacks on state facilities and authorities, promising to eliminate these threats and urging the insurgents to disarm. However, many eyewitnesses on social media contend that civilians—rather than solely pro-Assad militia members—are among those being targeted during the violence.
The coastal regions of Syria, including Latakia and Tartus, predominantly comprise the Alawite community, which has heightened concerns regarding the possibility of sectarian conflict. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 1,000 fatalities during a recent bout of violence, with more than 700 Alawites among the casualties. Consequently, many have sought safety in Akkar and the nearby city of Tripoli.
This sudden rise in refugee numbers has raised alarms among some Lebanese officials, who worry about potential tensions within Lebanon. Akkar and Tripoli are primarily Sunni areas with significant Alawite populations, which have historically seen strife between anti-Assad and pro-Assad factions. Lebanese Parliament member Sajih Attieh issued a warning about the “very large waves” of displacement in Akkar, stating that thousands have reached several Alawite villages in the region.
Attieh noted that various reports suggest 18 villages have welcomed refugees, and he emphasized the urgent need for government intervention in managing the influx. He indicated that up to 10,000 refugees crossed into Akkar within a single day utilizing illegal routes, as legal crossings have been damaged during Israeli bombings.
The longstanding porous border between Lebanon and Syria has strained Lebanon due to issues of smuggling and human trafficking. This topic was addressed during a recent meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and President al-Sharaa at an Arab Summit in Cairo. Lebanon currently accommodates approximately 2 million Syrian refugees since the conflict commenced in 2011, yet fewer than one million are recognized by the UNHCR.
Attieh emphasized that the Lebanese government must take proactive steps to regulate and monitor the entry of individuals to avoid the mistakes of the past 14 years. He expressed concern that if the current situation persists, Lebanon may see an additional one million displaced Syrians added to the already substantial population of refugees.
In conclusion, the ongoing violence in Syria has led to a significant influx of Alawites into northern Lebanon, notably in Akkar and Tripoli. The situation is exacerbated by existing tensions within Lebanon, as concerns about sectarian conflict arise. Immediate government intervention is deemed necessary to manage the integration of these refugees and to prevent further strain on Lebanon’s resources, which are already challenged by the presence of approximately 2 million Syrian refugees since the onset of the Syrian conflict.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
