Lebanese forces are intensifying deployments in the north to prevent conflict as over 10,000 Syrian Alawites flee violence in Syria. Tensions are rising in Tripoli’s sectarian districts, with past animosities threatening to resurface. Local officials are meeting to discuss measures to ease these tensions amidst ongoing challenges posed by illegal arms and crossings.
The Lebanese Armed Forces have intensified their presence in northern Lebanon to avert potential conflict following the arrival of over 10,000 Syrian Alawites fleeing violent sectarian clashes in Syria. This influx of refugees has escalated tensions, particularly in Tripoli’s Bab Al Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen districts, where historical animosities between Sunni and Alawite factions have resulted in numerous violent confrontations over the years.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that approximately 1,380 civilians, predominantly Alawites, lost their lives amid the ongoing violence along Syria’s Mediterranean coast. Amidst rebel advancements, incidents of violence targeting Alawites have surged since December, including a recent ambush that left two pro-government members dead.
A security source indicated that Lebanese forces are diligently focused on maintaining peace, particularly in Tripoli, despite the palpable fear that conflict might escalate. Contrary to these fears, security forces have thus far succeeded in preventing clashes, maintaining a semblance of calm in the region.
Tripoli, with its population of 200,000, is primarily Sunni, with around 6-7% of inhabitants being Alawites. The traditionally opposing stances of the two districts have historically contributed to ongoing clashes since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Additionally, some radical Sunni groups in Lebanon have reportedly dispatched fighters to engage with rebel forces across the border.
The disintegration of the Syrian military has resulted in a surge of arms flooding into the region, facilitating a lucrative black market for weapons in Lebanon. Reports indicate that the price for an AK-47 has plummeted to roughly $25, and many weapons have been covertly smuggled through various illegal border crossings in northern Lebanon.
In response to the rebels securing Damascus, Lebanon has closed most of its land border crossings with Syria but continues to grapple with the open nature of several illegal routes. The country has faced longstanding challenges with the presence of firearms, especially in Tripoli and surrounding areas where armed factions persist. The ruling political class, having emerged after the civil war, remains armed, prominently featuring groups such as Hezbollah, which recently concluded a war with Israel.
To address the escalating tensions, current and former officials from Tripoli are convening a meeting on Friday to explore strategies aimed at fostering stability and preventing further conflict in the region.
The situation in northern Lebanon is precarious, with Lebanon’s security forces actively deploying resources to maintain calm amidst the influx of Syrian Alawite refugees fleeing violence. Tensions remain heightened in Tripoli, where longstanding sectarian divisions could trigger renewed conflict. Furthermore, the proliferation of inexpensive weapons and illegal crossings poses ongoing risks. Efforts by local officials to mitigate these tensions will be crucial in charting a path towards stability.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
