BAALBEK, Lebanon: Various security apparatuses held consultations Tuesday to form a joint force to implement the much-anticipated security plan in northeast Bekaa Valley, security sources told The Daily Star. The plan seeks to clamp down on criminal activity in the Baalbek-Hermel region, where certain areas, such as Brital, are known havens for car-theft gangs and drug dealers, as well as kidnap-for-ransom operations.
The success of the security plan, the sources argued, hinges on the Amal Movement and Hezbollah lifting political cover on criminals in the area, in which both parties enjoy broad support.
The lack of security in Baalbek-Hermel has given rise to several militia groups, which, supported by the Shiite parties, might have already been tipped off about the plan, sources said.
Residents in the area also expressed doubts that the plan would succeed, saying fugitives would simply go into hiding until the security situation permitted their return.
In comments reported Monday, Amal Movement leader Speaker Nabih Berri said the plan would be strictly implemented and authorities would show no leniency toward anyone suspected of criminal activity.
The speaker described the plan as “unlike previous ones,” adding that security forces would not simply complete a tour and retreat but would remain stationed there, forcing fugitives to choose between handing themselves in or “going to the grave.”
Last week, Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk said that the security plan in the Bekaa Valley would kick off soon and would be implemented by the Lebanese Army and the Internal Security Forces with full political backing.
The plan was also a point of agreement between Hezbollah and the Future Movement during their dialogue sessions.
The sources denied that the arrest of notorious fugitive Rabih Awada, charged with assaulting an Army officer Monday, was carried out in line with the plan.
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