In the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Lebanese authorities have detained and returned fleeing pro-Assad soldiers to the new Syrian regime. Many loyalists are escaping abroad, but significant numbers have crossed into Lebanon, fearing reprisals from new leadership. Recent arrests highlight the ongoing tensions between opposing factions in Syria and the complicated relationship between Lebanon and its neighboring country.
In recent developments, Lebanese authorities have taken decisive action against individuals associated with the previous regime in Syria. Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024, numerous officers and soldiers fleeing to Lebanon were detained and subsequently handed over to the newly established Syrian government. While many prominent figures managed to escape through Beirut airport, numerous individuals loyal to the deposed regime have found refuge in Lebanon, fleeing reprisals from the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The apprehension of these individuals has primarily occurred in northern Lebanon. On December 28, several officers were caught at the Arida crossing and returned to Syrian authorities. Their detainment was part of a larger operation where approximately 70 individuals were captured at a checkpoint linking northern regions to Beirut. In a parallel incident, a bus carrying Syrian nationals was intercepted in a district of Tripoli known for its opposition to the Assad regime. Local crowds expressed their eagerness for the arrest of defected soldiers, further pressuring military forces to act.
The actions taken by Lebanese authorities illustrate the continuing tensions and challenges faced by individuals formerly loyal to the Syrian government, particularly as they navigate the new political landscape following Assad’s downfall. This incident also highlights the complex relationships between Lebanon, Syria, and various factions that have emerged during the ongoing conflict.
The geopolitical situation surrounding Syria and Lebanon is marked by historical ties and ongoing tensions. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, many Syrians have sought refuge in Lebanon, particularly those opposing the Assad regime. The recent upheaval following Assad’s removal has elicited fear among his loyalists regarding potential retaliation from the new leadership, particularly from groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham who have gained influence in the region. The Lebanese government’s actions reflect a shift in allegiances and highlight the fragile balance of power in the area.
The Lebanese government’s recent arrests of pro-Assad soldiers reveal the drastic shifts occurring in the political dynamics of the region following Assad’s fall. This situation underscores the precarious position of former loyalists in Lebanon as they confront the new authorities and the hostility from factions such as HTS. As Lebanon navigates this complex scenario, the detention and handover of these individuals will likely have far-reaching implications for regional stability and relations between Lebanon and Syria.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
