Security Forces Boost Measures near Syrian Encampments as Crackdown on Extremists Ongoing
Security agencies enforced strict security measures in areas in eastern Lebanon as several Syrian nationals have been arrested recently to “avert any possible terrorist sabotage operation.”
“The strict security measures come in light of the clashes in (the northeastern border town of) Arsal in an attempt to prevent any sabotage operations from occurring,” security sources said in comments published in the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat.
The sources pointed out that the measures are mainly implemented near Syrian encampments across Lebanon.
The sources described the measures taken by security forces as “preventive,” saying: “It aims at detaining individuals who are suspected of having extremist links.”
Bashir Khodr, the governor of Baalbek and Hermel, told the newspaper that the sub-security council of the Bekaa tasked municipalities with boosting security measures and counting the numbers of the displaced Syrians in their areas.
“The precautionary measures come amid the rising security threats,” Khodr noted.
The Mayor of Baalbek, Hamad Hassan, told Asharq al-Awsat that the aim is to “safeguard the area from security risks,” adding that the “security measures don't violate the freedom of the Syrians.”
on Saturday, seven Syrian nationals were apprehended during security raids in residential compounds hosting refugees in the northern Koura district.
On Wednesday, army troops raided the houses of Syrian refugees in Beirut, the Bekaa and the South, and managed to detain a number of people during the operation.
These raids and arrests come after army troops were involved in fierce battles against Islamist gunment in Arsal on August 2.
Media reports said on Saturday that militants infiltrated Lebanon from Syria, prompting Lebanese villagers to force them back across the border.
The gunbattle was reportedly near the village of Kfar Qouq, which lies near the Bekaa Valley town of Rashaya and some 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of Arsal.
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