Lebanon Repatriates Former Pro-Assad Soldiers Amid Political Shifts
Lebanese authorities have repatriated former pro-Assad soldiers to Syria amid fears of reprisals. This follows the fall of Bashar al-Assad, causing many loyalists to flee to Lebanon. Recent arrests and expulsions highlight Lebanon’s stance towards individuals connected to the deposed regime as conflicts continue within Syria.
In recent days, Lebanese authorities have detained numerous individuals affiliated with the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad and subsequently repatriated them to Syria under the newly established governance in Damascus. Despite this crackdown, several key figures from the previous regime have successfully escaped from Beirut’s international airport. Following the collapse of al-Assad’s administration on December 8, 2024, thousands of loyalists fearing retribution from the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have fled into Lebanon, often using obscure routes to avoid detection.
On December 28, arrests took place at the Arida border crossing in northern Lebanon, where officers and soldiers were taken into custody and returned to the Syrian government. These arrests formed part of a larger operation, as approximately 70 individuals had been detained at a checkpoint connecting northern Lebanon to Beirut the previous day.
Additionally, on the same day, a bus transporting Syrian nationals was apprehended on the outskirts of Tripoli, specifically in the neighborhood of Bab al-Tebbaneh, which has a history of antagonism toward the Assad regime. The passengers were then handed over to the Lebanese military in front of a crowd eager to see the arrest of defectors. Similar incidents occurred the following day in the Akkar region, known as a sanctuary for anti-Assad opposition during the early stages of the anti-government uprising.
This article discusses the recent actions taken by Lebanese authorities concerning Syrian refugees formerly associated with the Assad government. In light of the regime’s collapse, many individuals aligned with Assad have sought refuge in Lebanon, fearing retaliation from the new leadership. This movement has prompted the Lebanese government to engage in the arrest and repatriation of such individuals, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region following the government change in Syria.
In summary, the Lebanese government’s recent actions demonstrate a commitment to returning individuals associated with the former Syrian regime to their homeland. This trend reflects the broader repercussions of the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s administration and highlights the continuing tensions as opposition groups gain power in Syria. Such actions may affect regional stability and the lives of those who have fled in fear for their safety.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
