Cautious calm has returned to al-Aqbiyeh after recent clashes between Lebanese and Syrian nationals, initiated by an incident involving catcalling. The situation saw escalated tensions, including gunfire and the burning of Syrian tents. Similar disturbances occurred in Tripoli, reflecting ongoing sectarian violence related to the crisis in Syria.
On Monday, the southern coastal town of al-Aqbiyeh experienced a period of cautious calm following a clash between Lebanese citizens and Syrian nationals that occurred the previous day. The National News Agency (NNA) reported that the altercation was instigated when young Syrian men made catcalls towards a Lebanese woman from al-Bissariyeh, leading to verbal disputes and a road blockade.
In addition to the verbal confrontations, online footage depicted Lebanese citizens burning tents that were occupied by Syrians. According to NNA, the tensions escalated further as gunfire ensued during the encounter.
These tensions are reminiscent of a similar incident in the northern city of Tripoli, where on Saturday night, the Lebanese army intervened to diffuse a situation stemming from the stabbing of a Syrian minor by an Alawite man. The backdrop of these clashes is the ongoing sectarian violence in Syria, where over 1,000 individuals have lost their lives in the coastal Alawite region.
The article highlights the recent tensions in al-Aqbiyeh stemming from a confrontation that arose over societal interactions between Lebanese and Syrian individuals. With incidents of violence reported, including the burning of tents and gunfire, the situation reflects larger sectarian conflicts exacerbated by the ongoing crisis in Syria, where significant casualties have occurred. Authorities are attempting to manage these disturbances in a region sensitive to sectarian strife.
Original Source: www.naharnet.com
