Syrian Alawites Flee to Lebanon Amid Escalating Violence and Tensions

A substantial number of Syrian Alawites have fled to northern Lebanon due to violence, particularly in coastal Syria. The influx predominantly affects Akkar and Tripoli regions, raising concerns among Lebanese officials about possible tensions and the overwhelmed capacity to manage refugees. The lack of legal crossings due to previous conflicts further complicates the situation as calls for government regulation emerge.

In recent days, a significant number of Syrian Alawites have crossed into northern Lebanon, particularly from coastal Syria, to escape violent confrontations that have resulted in numerous civilian casualties. The Akkar governorate, Lebanon’s northernmost region bordering Syria, has been particularly affected by this influx, as clashes erupt between forces loyal to interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and those remaining loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

Interim President al-Sharaa has characterized his military operations as a campaign against insurgents attacking state institutions. However, testimonies shared on social media have raised concerns that many of the individuals targeted are not solely affiliated with the former regime but include innocent civilians. Accounts suggest that the fighting, notably in Syria’s coastal regions like Latakia and Tartus, may exacerbate sectarian tensions given the majority Alawite population in those areas, where concerns about escalating violence remain paramount.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, recent violent episodes have led to over 1,000 fatalities within a few days, with a tragic count of more than 700 Alawites among the dead. Many refugees have sought safety in Akkar and the port city of Tripoli, prompting anxiety among Lebanese officials regarding potential internal strife as these areas predominantly house Sunni Muslims accompanied by a notable Alawite minority.

Sajih Attieh, a member of the Lebanese Parliament representing Akkar, expressed alarm over the mass displacement occurring at the northern border. He disclosed to the pan-Arab publication Asharq Al-Awsat that “thousands have reached five or six Alawite villages in Akkar,” with reports indicating that 18 villages are now hosting refugees. Attieh further reported a flow of approximately 10,000 individuals arriving in Akkar in a single day.

Currently, no legal border crossings exist between northern Lebanon and Syria due to past Israeli military actions that targeted these routes, resulting in a lack of official oversight during this wave of refugee movement. He stated that Lebanese army forces are not intercepting the influx of refugees. The long-standing issue of a porous border has burdened Lebanon, complicating both smuggling operations and the influx of displaced persons.

Amidst the ongoing refugee crisis, Lebanon is already home to about 2 million Syrian refugees since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011, with under a million registered with the UNHCR. Attieh urged the Lebanese government to effectively manage and account for the refugees to avert mistakes from the past fourteen years. He cautioned that, if current trends persist, Lebanon could see an additional million displaced Syrians join the existing population.

The recent surge of Syrian Alawites fleeing into Lebanon highlights the dire humanitarian crisis amid escalating violence in Syria. The influx challenges Lebanon’s capacity to manage its border, posing potential risks of heightened sectarian tensions and social strain. With more than 2 million existing Syrian refugees, the need for systematic oversight by the Lebanese government is crucial to prevent further complications in an already delicate socio-political landscape.

Original Source: www.newarab.com