LEBANON - Fighting persists in the Qalamoun region (Bekaa governorate)

Posted: 10/06/2015

Fighting between Hezbollah and a number of Sunni extremist groupings, including the Islamic State (IS) and Jabhat al-Nusra (JN), continues to be reported in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa governorate.

On 9 June, Hezbollah militia forces reportedly repulsed an IS attack near the towns of Al-Qaa and Ras Baalbek. The fighting is part of an ongoing Hezbollah offensive against JN and IS in the Qalamoun region, which straddles the shared border between Syria and Lebanon.

Hezbollah, an ally of the Syrian regime, has claimed a number of victories in the region in recent weeks, including in the vicinity of the predominantly Sunni town of Aarsal. The fighting has largely excluded the Lebanese Army; however, its forces continue to maintain positions in the Bekaa governorate and occasionally shell militant areas. Local tribes have also reportedly joined the Hezbollah campaign.

In early June, two prominent tribal groupings purportedly joined forces to form the Al-Qalaa Brigade. The conflict is expected to persist in the Qalamoun region. The area holds strategic value as a gateway to Lebanon and the Syrian capital, Damascus. It is unlikely that IS, JN or any other Syrian rebel group will withdraw from the area.

Travellers to Lebanon's Bekaa governorate should anticipate checkpoints manned by one of either the Lebanese security forces, Hezbollah militia or local tribes. Restrictions on travel in this governorate may also be periodically enforced in response to the conflict.

RPS advises against travel to within 15km of the shared border with Syria in the Bekaa and North governorates due to various security threats. Any travellers living or working in the Bekaa and North governorates should consider their security and look to travel with a security escort. They should consider increasing the security of their accommodation and whether it is safer to live in a secure compound.

For all travel advice contact us on [email protected]

With thanks for Red24 for their updates.

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