Lebanon is facing increasing pressure as more Syrian refugees are fleeing their home country to seek shelter and make temporary settlement in this neighboring country.
The latest official statistics from the Lebanon government show that there are currently 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon, most of whom have been living there for more than a decade.
Since the conflict against civilians and security personnel in the coastal cities in northwest Syria in mid-March, nearly 13,000 Syrian refugees have fled across the border into Lebanon, scattered in more than 20 villages and towns in north Lebanon's Akkar Governorate, which is close to the country’s border with Syria.
The activity center of Tall Bireh Town has been transformed into a refugee camp, where pouring-in Syrians have temporarily settled down. More than 250 Syrian refugees, from babies just a few month old to elderly people in their 80s, are now living there.
"When we arrived here, the Lebanese people gave us the warmest reception. Now we can sleep peacefully. Just this alone is very precious -- we can sleep safely," said a Syrian refugee.
"We are tired of it all, really, the past wars and the ongoing wars. We are really fed up with them, and we have lost everything. Everything is gone," said another Syrian refugee.
The influx of refugees has exerted tremendous pressure on Akkar's infrastructure and public resources.
According to Tall Bireh officials, the number of refugees has exceeded that of local villagers over the past few months.
"The Lebanese and Syrian people have a close relationship like family and neighbors. The official statistics are not comprehensive. The actual number of refugees may be close to 30,000, and this huge number has put a great pressure on the infrastructure of local towns and has posed severe challenges to municipal authorities in terms of medical services, living conditions, food and shelter," said Ahmad Haddam, a local official in Akkar.
Lebanon hosts one of the largest per capita populations of Syrian refugees in the world. Despite the regime change and a recent easing of U.S. sanctions, Syria continues to grapple with a fragile security environment and a deteriorated economy, further complicating repatriation efforts and reintegration.
Lebanon faces increasing pressure with influx of more Syrian refugees
Lebanon faces increasing pressure with influx of more Syrian refugees
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
