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Bar Elias, December 8, 2024 (OLA NEWS MIDDLE EAST) – According to Syrian rebels, Bashar al-Assad has fled the country following the fall of Damascus to opposition forces. This historic event marks a pivotal moment in the Syrian conflict and has sparked a mix of hope and caution among the Syrian diaspora, particularly in Lebanon, where the humanitarian and security situation is already fragile.
A Syrian Diaspora in Turmoil
Lebanon, which hosts approximately 1.8 million Syrian refugees, only 900,000 of whom are registered with the UNHCR, has been deeply affected by these developments. Since September 27, nearly 400,000 Syrians have left Lebanon in an attempt to return to Syria, putting additional strain on border crossings.
In Bar Elias, a key town in the Bekaa Valley, hundreds of Syrian refugees gathered spontaneously to celebrate this milestone. Draped in revolutionary flags, participants sang and expressed a mix of hope and fear. The main border crossing between Lebanon and Syria has seen chaotic scenes, with families and refugees struggling to find a way back to their homeland.
A Weakened Lebanon
This victory for the Syrian opposition comes at a time when Lebanon is already reeling from an ongoing war with Israel, exacerbating internal divisions and economic crises. Even before this escalation, the Syrian community in Lebanon faced mounting hostility, with growing anti-Syrian rhetoric in political and social spheres.
Lebanese authorities have reinforced border patrols, fearing that population movements could further destabilize an already strained nation.
A Growing Humanitarian Challenge
Assad’s presumed flight and the capture of Damascus symbolize renewal for some, but raise questions for others. Destroyed infrastructure, internal tensions, and uncertainties about Syria’s future stability weigh heavily on those contemplating a return.
More updates on this story soon.
Reporting and Picture by Sandro Basili, Ola News Barcelona; Editing by Alexandre Minguez
