Over 25 Syrian Suspects Held in New Koura, Dekwaneh Raids

Security forces on Monday arrested more than 25 Syrians during raids on refugee gatherings in the northern Koura district and the Northern Metn area of Dekwaneh, state-run National News Agency reported, amid a continued crackdown that started in the wake of the Arsal battle.

“Army intelligence agents raided the places of residence of some Syrian refugees in the Koura towns of Batroumine, Diddeh, Fih and Qalhat, arresting 25 suspect,” NNA said.

The force also seized violating motorcycles during the raid, the agency added.

Later in the day, NNA said "Dekwaneh municipal police, backed by the ISF and army intelligence agents, arrested several Syrians in raids" in the district.

Six Syrian suspects had been apprehended on Thursday at places inhabited by Syrian refugees in four Koura towns.

And on Friday, thirteen Syrians were arrested in the Beirut suburb of Dekwaneh as the army also raided a Syrian refugee encampment in the southern city of Tyre.

There has been growing resentment in Lebanon against Syrian refugees after militants from the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front abducted in August a number of troops and policemen from the Bekaa town of Arsal during fierce clashes with the Lebanese army.

The anger escalated after IS jihadists beheaded two captive army troops.

Hosting more than 1.1 million Syrians fleeing their country's three-year war, Lebanon is home to the highest number of Syrian refugees in the region, and also to the highest refugee population per capita in the world.

Y.R.