Approximately 10,000 Alawites have fled to Lebanon amid escalating violence in Syria, raising fears of renewed sectarian clashes in Tripoli. Security measures have intensified, but the influx of firearms poses a deadly threat. Local officials warn that Syrian armed groups may pursue Alawites into Lebanon, escalating tensions further.
Over the past five days, approximately 10,000 Alawites have fled sectarian violence in Syria, crossing into northern Lebanon and exacerbating regional tensions. Lebanese security officials express concern that this influx may rekindle historical conflicts, particularly in Tripoli’s districts of Bab Al Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen, which have a history of violent clashes between Sunni and Alawite groups. Since Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 1,300 deaths related to these violent confrontations, primarily affecting Alawites.
This recent wave of violence was triggered by the deaths of pro-government forces in an ambush, prompting heightened security measures in Lebanon. A security source stated, “Around 10,000 Alawites have crossed from Syria to Lebanon in the last five days. They have settled in Tripoli and nearby areas, creating a sensitive situation across Lebanon.” The demographics of Tripoli, with 80% Sunni Muslims and a minority of Alawites and Christians, contribute to the potential for conflict. The residents of Bab Al Tebbaneh historically supported the uprising against former President Bashar Al Assad, while those in Jabal Mohsen have been loyal to him.
Furthermore, Lebanon faces the challenge of an influx of firearms following the perceived collapse of the Syrian army, leading to a proliferation of arms smuggled across the border. The price of weapons, such as an AK-47, has significantly decreased, making them more accessible. Despite Lebanon closing official border crossings, illicit pathways remain active, complicating control over weapon distribution.
Lebanon’s security officials are now wary of potential incursions from Syrian armed groups seeking to pursue Alawite refugees. They highlight troop mobilization along the border, particularly near the Bekaa Valley, as a dangerous escalation that could spiral into broader violence.
The Syrian government’s operations to dismantle smuggling networks have intensified, particularly targeting Hezbollah-affiliated routes, indicating a strategic shift in their military focus. Concerns persist that the conflict may spill over, with serious implications for stability in both Lebanon and Syria, as local tensions escalate in response to unregulated arms availability and sectarian violence.
The recent influx of Alawites fleeing violence in Syria has heightened sectarian tensions in northern Lebanon, particularly in Tripoli. With demographic divides and historical conflicts exacerbating the situation, the potential for violence looms large. Increased arms availability and mobilization along the border introduce further risks, signaling a precarious state of affairs for both nations. The ongoing crackdown by the Syrian government adds another layer of complexity, with implications for regional stability and security.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
