Report: New Encampment Established on Outskirts of Arsal for Families of Gunmen

A new encampment was reportedly established on the outskirts of the northeastern border town of Arsal, As Safir newspaper reported on Monday.

According to the daily, the campsite includes the families of Islamist gunmen and differs from the encampment that is already erected for Syrian refugees in the town of Arsal.

The army informed the residents of Arsal on Saturday that “as of January 1, Syrian and Lebanese nationals will not be able to cross into the outskirts of Arsal through the Wadi Hmeid checkpoint without prior approval from the army intelligence.”

“Any person seeking to head to the outskirts of the town should file a request at the army intelligence branch in the Bekaa to be granted the necessary approval.”

Military sources told As Safir newspaper that “no one will be able to head to the outskirts of Arsal without the knowledge of the army intelligence as some people crossing to the area have been smuggling food supplies to gunmen.”

Several smugglers have been so far detained, the sources revealed.

On Sunday, some 200 Arsal residents protested the army's measures in the town, however, the military issued a communique stressing that its new, strict measures on the roads leading to the outskirts of town aim at protecting the villagers.

“We aim at foiling any infiltration by gunmen,” the sources told the newspaper, saying: “Some armed men got used to entering the town and obtaining food and their needs from certain houses at the village.”

“The border crossings and town streets will not remain out of control.”

The sources said that “those who live on the outskirts of Arsal will have monthly passes.”

Ever since the Syrian revolt erupted in March 2011, Arsal has served as a key conduit for refugees, rebels and wounded people fleeing strife-torn Syria.

It was overran in August by gunmen belonging to the two al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), who withdrew from the town by taking several soldiers and policemen hostage. Four have been so far executed.

H.K.

G.K.