Escalating Conflict Forces Thousands of Syrians to Seek Refuge in Lebanon –

Around 13,000 Syrians have fled to northern Lebanon since violence erupted in Syria’s coastal region on March 6. The influx, mainly into Akkar governorate, challenges local municipalities in providing shelter, food, and healthcare. The Crisis and Disaster Management Room reported refugees are staying in families’ homes or in halls and warehouses.

The violence, blamed on pro-Assad militants, has resulted in over 4,700 civilian deaths, including 1,805 field executions. Most victims are from the Alawite minority. Armed groups targeted families, asking whether they were Alawites or Sunnis before killing or sparing them. Video footage has emerged showing executions in homes.

The international community condemned the killings. Thousands sought protection at Russia’s Hmeimim airbase, while others fled to northern Lebanon, which already hosts 1.5 million Syrian refugees, 755,426 of whom are registered with the United Nations.

Al Akhbar