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Warning of anti-Christian attacks in Tripoli region

Lebanese security officials say religious and political leaders are targets to sow divisions between Christians and Sunnis. Ruling majority is afraid of a new wave of attacks against anti-Syrian leaders. The opposition claims instead that threats are designed to block next year’s elections.
Beirut (AsiaNews) – Lebanese security officials, political leaders and religious authorities have received warnings about preparations by regional intelligence agencies to launch suicide attacks against Christian targets in northern Lebanon with the aim of stirring up a Christian-Sunni confrontation whilst blaming fundamentalist Islamist groups, An Nahar reported.

Well informed sources told the newspaper that religious authorities and security officials have been advised to take precautionary measures around churches, monasteries, schools and universities run by Christian organisations, as well as the seats of bishops in the northern city of Tripoli and surrounding villages.

The security alert covered the summer seat of the Maronite Church in Diman and the Lebanon seat of Greek Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius IV Hazim in the Balamand region.

Security officials also ordered tightened security measures around the residences of Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in the Cedar district, Marada Movement leader Suleiman Franjieh in Bnashii, and MP Nayla Moawad in Zghorta.

Former lawmaker Akkar Talal Meraabi mentioned “insistent rumours” to the same effect when he met Mohammad Rashid Kabbani, Grand Mufti of Lebanon, in order to discuss the reconciliation process the religious leader is undertaking in Tripoli.

For members of the ‘14 March’ parliamentary majority the warning raises fears that anti-Syrian leaders might face a new wave of attacks like those of 2004 and 2005.

By contrast pro-Syrian groups believe that rumours about attacks could help the ruling majority to stop the elections scheduled for next spring in order to avoid a defeat. (PD)