Lebanese Army Foils Attempted Migration to Europe, Arrests 134 Migrants
The Lebanese army has arrested 134 migrants near the northern border with Syria after foiling their attempt to take a boat to Europe. The group, consisting of 130 Syrians and four Lebanese nationals, was apprehended in the coastal town of Sheikh Zennad in Akkar province. The army also detained the mastermind behind the operation, who was a Lebanese national. In a separate incident, the Lebanese armed forces arrested 150 Syrians who had crossed into Lebanon illegally in another part of Akkar province.
Background: Migrants Departing from Lebanon Head for Europe
Lebanon is currently facing one of the worst economic crises in modern history, according to the World Bank. This economic collapse has turned the country into a launchpad for migrants, with its own citizens joining Syrian and Palestinian refugees in their desperate attempts to leave by taking dangerous sea routes. Authorities estimate that Lebanon currently hosts around two million Syrians, with more than 800,000 registered with the UN. This makes Lebanon the country with the highest number of refugees per capita in the world. Many migrants departing from Lebanon have Europe as their main destination, with Cyprus being only 175 km away.
Tragic Incidents Highlighting the Dangers of Migration
In recent years, there have been several tragic incidents involving migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In September 2022, at least 100 bodies were recovered after a boat carrying migrants from Lebanon sank off Syria’s coast. In December 2022, two migrants died and around 200 were rescued when their boat sank off Lebanon’s northern coast.
Similar incidents have also occurred in the English Channel, which is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. On Saturday, French authorities reported that six people died after a migrant boat trying to cross the Channel from France capsized. Nearly 60 migrants were saved by French and UK rescue boats, and search and rescue operations were ongoing. The Channel crossing is known to be dangerous due to strong currents, and people smugglers often overload small boats, putting the lives of migrants at risk.
Efforts to Address the Migrant Crisis
The UK government has been making efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers crossing the Channel. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government has made announcements throughout the week in hopes of winning support from voters, as the ruling Conservative Party trails in opinion polls. According to UK government figures, nearly 16,000 migrant Channel crossings have occurred so far this year.
In November 2021, 27 migrants died when their dinghy deflated during an attempted crossing of the Channel. This incident was the worst accident on record involving migrants in the narrow seaway separating France and Britain. However, the Mediterranean remains the deadliest route for migrants, with more frequent disasters occurring. On Saturday, a charity rescue ship saved 76 migrants on an overloaded wooden boat. Since 2014, over 22,000 people have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Conclusion
The recent arrests of migrants in Lebanon highlight the ongoing challenges faced by individuals seeking a better life in Europe. The economic crisis in Lebanon has exacerbated the situation, leading to increased migration attempts. Tragic incidents in both the Mediterranean and the English Channel serve as reminders of the dangers faced by migrants during their journeys. As governments continue to grapple with this complex issue, it is crucial to address the root causes of migration and work towards sustainable solutions that prioritize human safety and well-being.