The Lebanese Army has announced the arrest of 86 Syrians who were attempting to illegally migrate to the European Union by sea.
The individuals have been handed over to the judiciary for further investigation.
In an official statement, the Lebanese Army reported that a patrol from the Directorate of Intelligence apprehended the 86 Syrians in the Al-Abdeh area as they were preparing to embark on an illegal journey to Italy.
The army seized the vessel that was intended for the voyage and stated that the investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the relevant judicial authorities.
This arrest follows a similar incident at the end of June, where the General Directorate of Lebanese Security Forces detained 15 Syrians who were planning to migrate illegally by sea from Al-Abdeh to Cyprus.
During this operation, authorities confiscated four life jackets and eight mobile phones.
Lebanese authorities have intensified their crackdown on Syrian refugees amid a significant increase in anti-refugee sentiment, aiming to force them to return to Syria.
The Lebanese Army frequently arrests Syrians, either by raiding their homes or camps or at checkpoints, often charging them with “illegal presence” in the country.
This ongoing situation underscores the challenges faced by Syrian refugees in Lebanon, as well as the broader issues of migration and asylum in the region.
The Lebanese government’s actions reflect its stance on controlling illegal migration and addressing the refugee crisis, which continues to affect millions of displaced Syrians.
