Lebanon Faces Sectarian Tensions Amid Massive Influx of Syrian Alawites

The recent crossing of approximately 10,000 Alawites into Lebanon due to sectarian violence in Syria has escalated regional tensions, particularly in Tripoli, where historical conflicts linger. With at least 1,300 deaths reported in Syria amidst this violence, Lebanon fears potential clashes between Sunni and Alawite groups may reignite, fueled by illegal arms smuggling and heightened border surveillance. The precarious situation could lead to direct interventions from Syrian armed groups into Lebanon, further destabilizing the region.

In recent days, the influx of 10,000 Alawites fleeing violence in Syria has heightened tensions in Lebanon, particularly in the northern region. These individuals have settled in areas such as Tripoli, raising concerns that escalating sectarian violence could spill across the border into Lebanon, particularly in the districts of Bab Al Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen, known for previous clashes between the Sunni and Alawite communities. Tragically, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that over 1,300 individuals, predominantly civilians, have lost their lives in the ongoing violence in Syria since Thursday, exacerbating the crisis.

The current situation in Lebanon is precarious, with approximately 80% of Tripoli’s 200,000 residents being Sunni Muslims. In contrast, the Alawite community accounts for about 6 to 7%. The years of discord have fostered deep-seated animosities, with the residents of Bab Al Tebbaneh having supported the uprising against former President Bashar Al Assad, while Jabal Mohsen residents remained loyal to him. Furthermore, the proliferation of firearms following Syria’s military collapse poses a significant threat, as illegal arms trading has surged, with AK-47s reportedly selling for as low as $25 due to the influx from Syria.

The Lebanese government has attempted to control the border situation, closing all but one official crossing with Syria. However, illegal routes remain active, particularly in northern areas where weapons are smuggled in abundantly. The presence of various armed groups in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, further complicates the security landscape, especially as sectarian tensions rise amidst the violence. Alarmingly, intelligence indicates that pro-government armed groups from Syria might consider pursuing Alawites into Lebanon, potentially leading to direct confrontations across the border, which could destabilize the region further.

Syria’s ongoing security operations near the Lebanese border have mirrored these fears, as efforts to suppress smuggling networks have led to clashes with Lebanese clans. Additionally, concerns are growing about a more hostile entity, the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham group, that may venture into Lebanon, disrupting the fragile peace and risking larger-scale conflicts with groups like Hezbollah. The developments at the border underscore the urgent need for vigilance as Lebanon navigates this tumultuous scenario amidst fears of expanded conflicts stemming from nearby sectarian violence.

In summary, the recent influx of Alawites into Lebanon amidst escalated sectarian violence in Syria represents a significant threat to regional stability. The potential for renewed clashes between Sunni and Alawite factions in Lebanon, coupled with the hazardous proliferation of arms, highlights the urgency of addressing these tensions. Furthermore, the involvement of pro-government forces from Syria in pursuing Alawites exacerbates the precarious situation, necessitating careful monitoring and efforts to mitigate the risk of broader conflict.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com