Security 1st Half 2018
Although, compared to the second semester of 2017, the Security situation improved in Baalbeck and Saida, both witnessed a high level of conflictivity in the Security dimension during the first half of 2018.
In Baalbeck, 33% of the Security incidents were classified as Power and Governance, contributing to high intensity of such conflicts in this district. These incidents were mainly related to the illicit trade of drugs involving prominent drug lords. Indeed, Baalbeck district is located within the Bekaa Governorate, which is notorious for its hashish (cannabis) cultivation, where prominent drug rings operate. (See the Conflict bulletin, issue 9 for more on operations relevant to illicit trade of drugs). In Saida, the majority of the Security incidents were located in Ain el-Helweh camp and were related Individual Acts of Violence involving shooting incidents. Indeed, the precarious socio-economic conditions as well as the punctual clashes between armed militants within the camps, often stir tensions among Palestinian refugees.
In Baalbeck, 33% of the Security incidents were classified as Power and Governance, contributing to high intensity of such conflicts in this district. These incidents were mainly related to the illicit trade of drugs involving prominent drug lords. Indeed, Baalbeck district is located within the Bekaa Governorate, which is notorious for its hashish (cannabis) cultivation, where prominent drug rings operate. (See the Conflict bulletin, issue 9 for more on operations relevant to illicit trade of drugs). In Saida, the majority of the Security incidents were located in Ain el-Helweh camp and were related Individual Acts of Violence involving shooting incidents. Indeed, the precarious socio-economic conditions as well as the punctual clashes between armed militants within the camps, often stir tensions among Palestinian refugees.
The Security situation slightly deteriorated in Zahle, Tripoli, and Akkar, which have witnessed a higher level of conflictivity compared to the second half of 2017. Most of the incidents in these districts were disputes that evolved into more violent conflicts, notably shooting and assault.
The Security dimensions in Beirut, Baabda, Aley, Nabatieh, and Hasbaya are all at an intermediate conflictivity level, although, the nature of the Security incidents varied per location. Within Baabda and Aley, the majority of the Security incidents were classified as Power and Governance, mainly relevant to illicit trade involving drugs, documents forgery, and counterfeit money, while in the South, districts of Nabatieh and Hasbaya were mainly classified as Individual Acts of Violence, which can include hostage taking situations, murders, and robberies.