Concerns regarding the security situation in Lebanon are escalating due to the absence of political stability and the intense conflicts among various forces over the presidential file and other issues, especially amid the ongoing economic and financial collapse, with the exchange rate of the Lebanese pound plummeting to unprecedented levels before the holidays. The recent statement by General Security Director, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, at the beginning of the week, indicating that “security conditions are worsening and that the social situation will explode sooner or later,” serves as a warning bell, particularly given the extremely difficult living conditions that security personnel are facing as their salaries have become symbolic due to the collapse of the Lebanese pound.
Despite all the challenges, the Minister of Interior and Municipalities in the caretaker government, Bassam Mawlawi, asserts that “playing with security is prohibited, the security situation is controlled, and the security and military agencies are fulfilling their duties and are on high alert.” In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he revealed that “according to data and security reports received daily by the Ministry of Interior, which I have personally reviewed, there are no fears of serious security incidents.” He adds, “The instability of the political situation will not lead to a security breakdown, given the security leaders' commitment to maintaining order,” urging citizens to “be more aware and take responsibility, as security agencies will adopt the strictest measures to prevent individual incidents and the misuse of arms.”
Recently, there has been a significant increase in kidnapping for ransom, with researcher Mohamad Shamseddine from the International Information Company reporting 50 cases from the beginning of 2022 until the end of November. Concurrently, theft and pickpocketing crimes have continued to rise, and there have been several murder cases for robbery, reflecting the deteriorating psychological conditions of Lebanese people due to the various pressures they face.
The crime that occurred in Tripoli on Monday, resulting from a traffic dispute after a car driver refused to yield to allow a motorcyclist to pass amidst heavy traffic, has shocked the Lebanese public, particularly those in Tripoli. Despite these fears and warnings, security sources confirm that “the situation is under control.” They emphasized in a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat that “the army will not allow any security tremors, and it is not experiencing any form of laxity nor is it standing idly by; in fact, there are arrests happening daily.” The sources added: “Regarding the security alert in conjunction with the holidays, it only occurs a few hours before Christmas and New Year’s Eve.”
Riyad Kahwaji, head of the Middle East and Gulf Center for Military Analysis - Enigma, believes that “the more the political division intensifies and takes on sectarian and confessional dimensions, the more the security situation becomes prone to disturbances and civil peace is at risk,” noting in a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat that “any power vacuum affects the economic situation and, in turn, the security situation in the country.”
