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Warning of Its Impact on Stability… Successive Waves of Syrian Refugees Threaten Lebanon’s Security
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The continuous influx of Syrian refugees from diverse political and sectarian backgrounds poses a significant security challenge to Lebanon, necessitating high-level intelligence coordination to preve
Former Lebanese Interior Minister Marwan Sharbel has warned that the presence of various groups of Syrian refugees in Lebanon creates a highly complex situation that could potentially destabilize the country.
In remarks to Novosti, Sharbel stated:
"The influx of different groups of Syrian refugees seeking shelter in Lebanon has created an extremely dangerous situation. In the past, those fleeing to Lebanon opposed the former Syrian regime, while the latest wave consists mostly of Alawite refugees. This mix could lead to tensions and conflicts between the two sides, impacting Lebanon’s stability.”
He emphasized that Lebanon’s circumstances require ongoing coordination at the highest levels between the military intelligence agency, security forces, and Lebanese citizens to prevent any potential escalation.
Terror Cell Dismantled Amid Security Concerns
A Lebanese security source revealed on Tuesday that the country’s military intelligence successfully carried out a special operation to uncover and dismantle a major ISIS-affiliated cell that had been planning a series of terrorist attacks across Lebanon.
Meanwhile, on March 6, violent clashes erupted between Syrian security forces and the army on one side, and opposition factions opposing the new government in Damascus on the other, in the Syrian provinces of Latakia and Tartus.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 1,500 Alawite civilians have been killed since the fighting began in Syria’s coastal region.
Syria’s interim caretaker government’s Ministry of Defense reported the deaths of 231 security personnel in the clashes. By March 10, the ministry announced that military operations had concluded and the situation had stabilized.
Escalating Concerns Over Refugee Influx
Sharbel’s warning comes amid growing fears that recent tensions in Syria’s coastal regions could spill over into Lebanon, especially with new waves of refugees fleeing the conflict zones.
Lebanon, which officially hosts over one million registered Syrian refugees, is already struggling with immense pressure on its infrastructure, essential services, and fragile economy, exacerbating the country’s ongoing crisis.
Estimates suggest that the actual number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon may exceed 1.5 million—roughly a quarter of the country’s total population. This demographic strain places overwhelming burdens on the Lebanese state and raises serious concerns about potential security and social repercussions.
