Public opinion in Lebanon is abuzz with claims about remnants of Syria’s former regime operating in the north and the Bekaa. However, according to an informed security source, the facts point to an “exaggeration of the issue. For our part, we are taking the necessary measures to prevent any hostile acts or plots against the new system in Syria.”

The source told Annahar that army units and the Military Intelligence Directorate carried out a series of raids on camps housing Syrian displaced persons in Akkar and other towns, with a particular focus on Alawite villages. The results showed that none of the officers described as “remnants” who had served under Bashar al-Assad were present. “It became clear that there is no officer in these camps in any of the towns, nor any weapons. We are in open cooperation with mayors and local officials."

The campaign ended with the arrest of a low-ranking officer who was working at a bakery in Keserwan. “Investigations showed he had no connection to any security activity. He was released and returned to his family.”

According to Annahar’s information, former officers are working in restaurants and in agricultural activities in the south. Events along the Syrian coast have led to the displacement of a significant number of Alawites to the north, and some of their sons may have served in the army during the Assad era.

Sources following the matter say Lebanese security agencies are in open contact with their Syrian counterparts. Before the end of the year, a delegation visited Beirut and held meetings with Army Intelligence leadership and General Security. “There was no request to arrest Syrian officers who had sought refuge in Lebanon. We do not hesitate to arrest anyone subject to Interpol warrants. The Syrians did not raise the name of any officer with us.”

The facts also show that claims that these individuals pay frequent visits to cafés in Beirut are unfounded. “On the contrary, the Syrian security delegation visited restaurants in downtown Beirut and Antelias.”

Sources also confirm that coordination with the Syrian side remains open, “as we cooperate in securing the borders of both countries to prevent smuggling activities from either side, and contacts are ongoing between the two armies through the Office of Coordination and Cooperation.”

In recent days, units of the Syrian security forces carried out a state of alert in the border area of Talkalakh, a Syrian town near the Lebanese border, on the pretext of arresting elements from the remnants of the former regime operating along the Syrian coast to carry out attacks against the current security services.

How did Syrian officers come to Lebanon?
Security findings indicate that when the Assad regime fell, officers fled to Lebanon, none of whom were senior figures. They headed to the airport and from there traveled to Egypt, Iraq, the Sultanate of Oman, and another Gulf country. “They left using non-forged passports, and some held valid visas to those countries. Claims that senior officers came to Beirut are unfounded.”

Sources do not confirm whether “a small number of them are living in places provided by Hezbollah. We have no information on this matter. In conclusion, we do not accept and will not allow any security or intelligence activity against the new system. It is in the interest of both sides to continue this approach of cooperation.”

On another front, the sources say preparations are underway to sign a judicial agreement concerning the file of Syrian prisoners and detainees, “with Lebanon insisting on not handing over any convicted person who took part in attacks against any Lebanese soldier, and with no compromise on this issue. The final decision on the agreement rests with the Ministry of Justice and the judicial authorities.”

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Annahar