A cautious calm has returned to al-Aqbiyeh, Lebanon, after a clash between Lebanese citizens and Syrian nationals over catcalling incident sparked violence and road blockages. Tensions included burning of Syrian tents and gunfire, amidst ongoing sectarian strife in neighboring Syria.

On Monday, a cautious calm settled over the southern coastal town of al-Aqbiyeh following a clash between Lebanese citizens and Syrian nationals that occurred on Sunday, as reported by the National News Agency (NNA). The confrontation reportedly began when a group of Syrian young men catcalled a Lebanese woman from the nearby town of al-Bissariyeh, leading to subsequent verbal conflicts and the obstruction of a local road.

Social media footage depicted further escalation, with Lebanese individuals burning tents that were occupied by Syrian refugees. Additionally, NNA disclosed that the tensions resulted in exchanges of gunfire between the involved parties.

Prior to the incident in al-Aqbiyeh, the Lebanese army had managed to contain rising tensions in Tripoli, where it was reported that an Alawite man had stabbed a Syrian minor, further exacerbating sectarian strife. These escalating tensions occur against a backdrop of significant sectarian violence in Syria, where more than 1,000 individuals have lost their lives in recent unrest within the Alawite-dominant coastal areas.

The recent clashes in al-Aqbiyeh highlight the delicate nature of inter-communal relations in Lebanon, especially in the context of ongoing sectarian violence in Syria. The situation remains tense as local authorities work to maintain order and prevent further escalation. The involvement of the Lebanese army indicates a need for vigilant oversight to manage communal conflicts and protect vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.naharnet.com