BEIRUT — The Islamic State (IS) seems to be operating like a fully integrated state, and it is working on providing all necessary components for that state to stand. The organization acquired land after invading Syria and Iraq, and now has its prince, people and militants. However, it still lacks an outlet to the sea, which constitutes a strong point for any state. Lebanese army Chief Jean Kahwaji told Le Figaro that IS is seeking to acquire this outlet in Lebanon after it failed to do so in Iraq and Syria.
This sea outlet can only pass through northern Lebanon, since IS and Jabhat al-Nusra cannot possibly reach the sea through other districts, and they are present in the Syrian regions close to Lebanon’s northeastern border. In light of this, IS is trying to connect the Syrian Qalamoun to the Lebanese Akkar.
Akkar district is characterized by its geographic location and demography. Half its citizens are Sunnis, and it is situated along the front line with the Syrian border to the north. It is bordered by Hermel district to the east and the mostly Sunni Denniyeh district to the south.
Security sources following this issue firmly told Al-Monitor that IS can reach northern Lebanon in two ways. The organization either has to regain control of Homs in Syria to approach and enter through the north, or it has to subdue the western and central Bekaa Valley in Lebanon to create a security belt that paves the way for a battle in the north and provides a suitable environment for its control of the northern Lebanese villages.
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