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Security Brief for Lebanon Prepared On: Jul 12, 2021 8:17:58 PM UTC

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Security Brief for Lebanon prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 8:17:58 PM UTC Security Assessment Rating Security Rating for Lebanon: 4 - High Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 3 Overall Rating: Security Services 4 4 Civil Unrest 4 Terrorism 4 High Kidnapping 3 Geopolitical 5 Security Overview : Overview of Lebanon Petty theft poses the primary threat to travelers. Violent crime is rare. Civil unrest occurs frequently over various socio-economic and political issues. Large-scale anti-government unrest broke out in October 2019 in response to proposed tax increases. Demonstrations persist nationwide as protesters continue to demand the resignation of Lebanon's entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure; protesters claim that this system has only benefitted political elites and encourages a lack of accountability. Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned in the aftermath of a major explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020. Diab's government is currently acting in a caretaker capacity pending the formation of a new government; he faces resistance from protesters and many in the Sunni community. Sectarian tensions can drive communal violence and result in both protests and inter-clan fighting. A state of conflict with Israel exists and small-scale clashes occur in areas bordering Israel. The risk of greater conflict with Israel remains, particularly as Israel becomes increasingly aggressive in its military actions against Iran and Iranian allies such as Hezbollah. Conflict spillover from Syria is a threat in the northeastern areas, exacerbated by the presence of Sunni extremist militants. Tensions between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran are delicate and any escalation threatens to destabilize Lebanon and elevate the conflict threat. A number of terrorist groups, including the Islamic State (IS), retain a presence and limited capability to stage attacks in Lebanon. Militants have attacked Shia interests in Beirut's southern suburbs as well as security forces in the northeastern border areas. The threat of lone-wolf attacks remains active. Related Advice: Tips for reducing your vulnerability in the event of civil unrest. Related Advice: Personal security while walking. Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Recognizing when you are under surveillance, and tips to avoid surveillance. Related Advice: Protecting yourself from crime when using taxis abroad. Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling. Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations. Security Alerts & Advisories Warning Alerts Civil Unrest: Anti-government protests likely to continue across Lebanon through at least late July. Related strikes, travel disruptions likely. Event: Protests, strikes Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Through at least late July Impact: Increased security, transport and commercial disruptions; possible violence Summary Anti-government demonstrations and strikes will likely continue across Lebanon through at least late July. Most demonstrations are against government corruption, economic mismanagement, and delays in the investigation into the Beirut port explosion. Conditions continue to deteriorate amid the impasse in the formation of a new government. The ongoing political deadlock has further delayed long-awaited reforms and exacerbated the country's political and economic crisis. The Lebanese pound has lost nearly 90 percent of its value since widespread protests first erupted in October 2019. The pound's collapse has strained the government's limited resources, raising concerns over dwindling subsidies and the capabilities of the country's security services. In late June, authorities raised the price of fuel by more than a third after slashing fuel subsidies. Widespread shortages in basic commodities such as fuel and medicine have prompted an uptick in disruptive demonstrations and violence. Demonstrations, sit-ins, strikes, and roadblocks will almost certainly continue across the country, including in Beirut, Sidon, Tripoli, and Tyre. Prominent rally sites include public squares, government buildings, and city centers. In Beirut, protests will likely continue to materialize at the Port of Beirut, the Ministry of Justice, Riad el- Solh Road, Martyrs' Square, and near the government palace. Demonstrators may burn tires and sporadically barricade main roadways during protests, prompting ground travel disruptions. Transport disruptions and strikes could also result in further commercial disruptions. Security forces will almost certainly continue to monitor and respond to all protests and roadblocks. Clashes between security forces and protesters are likely if protesters ignore police orders or are overly disruptive. Protesters have engaged in rioting and acts of vandalism against public and private property. Activists are particularly frustrated with banks and other financial institutions, which have imposed capital controls on withdrawals and foreign transfers. Demonstrators have previously targeted banks with improvised incendiary devices, and additional similar incidents remain possible. Periodic bank closures in response to the demonstrations have been occurring throughout Lebanon; further bank closures could occur and will likely result in low cash supplies at ATMs. Background and Analysis Lebanon has been without a fully functioning government since Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned in the aftermath of a major explosion at the Port of Beirut which killed at least 200 people and wounded some 6,000 others in August 2020. Diab's government is currently acting in a caretaker capacity pending the formation of a new government. However, Lebanese political parties have thus far failed to overcome the endemic deadlock. Politicians nominated former Prime Minister Saad Hariri to the premiership in October 2020. Hariri has vowed to form a cabinet of nonpartisan specialists to pass urgent reforms; however, the government currently remains at an impasse despite over eight months of negotiations. Lebanon is currently mired in its worst crisis since its 1975-1990 Civil War. Protesters continue to demand the resignation of Lebanon's entire ruling elite and an overhaul of the confessional government structure, which distributes political power according to sect. They claim that this system has only benefitted political elites and encourages a lack of accountability. Over half of Lebanon's population lives below the poverty line, and many businesses have struggled to stay afloat amid the economic meltdown and COVID-19 pandemic. Major economic and political reforms will be required to help reverse the crisis, unlock international financial assistance, and address the demands of the protesters. However, reforms do not appear to be imminent due to continued government dysfunction. Advice Liaise with trusted contacts regarding protest sites, and maintain contact with diplomatic missions. Avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for localized clashes or other security incidents. Allow significant extra time to reach destinations in city centers in Lebanon until the protests abate. Do not attempt to pass through protester roadblocks; wait for authorities to remove them. Be alert for residual debris and sharp objects if driving on previously blocked roads. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers. Reconfirm business appointments. Alert begins: 06/29/2021 Civil Unrest: Unionized pharmacists launch open-ended nationwide strike in Lebanon July 9. Protests possible. Incident: Pharmacists strike Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Nonemergency healthcare disruptions; possible protests, localized transport disruptions Summary Unionized pharmacists in Lebanon launched an indefinite nationwide strike July 9 in response to severe shortages of medicines allegedly resulting from the government's failure to make payment to foreign pharmaceuticals suppliers as part of a subsidy program. Preliminary information indicates that most pharmacies in major cities, including Beirut, have closed their doors to participate in the labor action, while up to half have shuttered in other areas of the country. The work stoppage will likely affect non-emergency medical services for the duration of the strike. Striking pharmacists may also hold demonstrations outside public hospitals. Gatherings outside the Ministry of Health in Beirut are also possible. Localized traffic disruptions are possible near any protests that may materialize. Advice Reconfirm appointments for nonemergency medical services. Plan accordingly for further shortages of medicines. Exercise caution near potential protest areas. Avoid all demonstrations. Alert begins: 07/09/2021 Civil Unrest: Activists to protest outside of the Parliament in Beirut, Lebanon, from 18:00 July 13. Increased security, localized disruptions likely. Event: Protest Location(s): Parliament building, Beirut (map) Start Time/Date: 18:00 July 13 Impact: Increased security, localized transport disruptions; possible clashes Summary Activists plan to protest outside of the Parliament building in Beirut from 18:00 July 13 to demand justice for victims of the Beirut Port explosion. Critics allege that politicians are obstructing
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