Thousands of Alawite Syrians are fleeing violence in their coastal regions, crossing into northern Lebanon, particularly Akkar, which presents risks of sectarian tensions. The Lebanese government faces mounting pressure to manage the increasing refugee population, which adds to the already significant number of Syrian refugees present in Lebanon since the onset of the Syria conflict.
In recent days, thousands of Syrian Alawites have crossed into northern Lebanon from coastal Syria to escape escalating violent clashes. The violence has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating over 1,000 deaths, including more than 700 Alawites, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The fighting primarily involves forces loyal to interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and supporters of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, raising fears of potential sectarian conflict in the region.
The influx of refugees has been most pronounced in Akkar, Lebanon’s northernmost governorate, where a mix of Sunni and Alawite communities exist. This migration has sparked concerns among Lebanese officials regarding potential tensions among local factions, particularly between anti- and pro-Assad groups. Akkar MP Sajih Attieh addressed these worries, noting that thousands are arriving and raising alerts regarding the growing displacement waves.
Attieh reported that recent figures suggest up to 10,000 individuals have fled into Akkar in just one day, utilizing illegal border crossings due to the destruction of legal crossing points by Israeli airstrikes. The Lebanese army, while present, has not impeded the influx of refugees. Lebanon’s border with Syria remains porous, a challenge that has historically led to issues such as smuggling and human trafficking.
This newest wave of refugees comes on top of the existing crisis, as Lebanon currently hosts around 2 million Syrian refugees since the onset of the war in 2011. Many of these individuals were forced to flee amid violent repression by the Assad regime during pro-democracy protests. Sajih Attieh emphasized the urgent need for the Lebanese government to regulate and monitor the situation to prevent mismanagement similar to past crises, highlighting the risk of an additional one million displaced individuals entering the country if the situation persists.
The significant influx of Syrian Alawites into Lebanon amid ongoing violence presents serious challenges for both the refugees and the Lebanese state. The potential for sectarian tensions heightens alongside the humanitarian crisis as local officials urge the government to take necessary precautions to manage the newcomers. Without appropriate measures, Lebanon may face exacerbated sociopolitical strains as it grapples with the continuing refugee situation originating from Syria’s protracted conflict.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
