The Lebanese Army, supported by Hezbollah militias, have acted in indiscriminatory and hostile ways toward Syrian refugees since the beginning of the revolution, but their actions have lately become more pronounced.
Many Syrian refugees have complained of poor treatment at the checkpoint separating the area of Wadi Khaled from the rest of the north of Lebanon. Many confirmed to Zaman al-Wasl that they were prevented from leaving the area at the Shedra barrier.
They expressed desperation at being stuck in the area and not being permitted to leave to their homes, because Hezbollah’s militias, in Lebanese Army uniform, prevented them from leaving.
Many Syrians said those controlling the Shedra barrier express hostility towards the Syrians. They mention the time when 200 Syrians were detained during the al-Hosn citadel battle, about six months ago, in which the Syrian regime invaded the town. Syrians still face arrest at the barrier, especially after recent trouble in Tripoli and Arsal, under the claim of fighting terrorism.
About 50 towns and villages used Arsal’s troubles to impose a curfew on Syrians and limit their movements and normal lives, which deepened feelings of alienation and discrimination.
A source reported to Zaman al-Wasl that Lebanese intelligence forces controlled by Hezbollah have arrested Syrians without reason, even if they provide their identity cards from the United Nation Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
Lebanon alone, with its population of just 4.5 million, has taken in about a third of the 3.3 million people that have fled Syria because of the war. Another 6.5 million people are displaced within Syria itself, according to AP.
Some detainees shared their experience inside the detention centers of Lebanese intelligence, and confirmed that they were tortured and humiliated physically and verbally by Hezbollah members.
“You should’ve thanked God that I had arrested you when I had been wearing the Lebanese Army’s uniform, otherwise, I would have beheaded you if I had been done my duty as Hezbollah, one detainee recalled an officer saying, describing the intimidation he was subject to.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
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