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Ain al-Hilweh refuge for militants, fugitives

Ain al-Hilweh, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, is a safe haven for fugitives and militants, while the Lebanese state is moving to extend its mandate over the Sidon area and improve the security situation.
Palestinian gunmen from different factions walk as they hold their weapons during the launch of a joint security force that includes all Palestinian factions, to maintain stability at the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the port-city of Sidon, southern Lebanon July 8, 2014.
REUTERS/Ali Hashisho (LEBANON - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY) - RTR3XMT6

BEIRUT — The presence of Palestinians has always been a weighty factor in the Lebanese situation. It moves to the forefront with every security disturbance, particularly those in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp. Ain al-Hilweh has become synonymous with being a place for fugitives and terrorists. Following the events in Abra in June 2013, it was believed that wanted terrorists Ahmad al-Assir and Fadel Shaker sought shelter here. Following the recent battles in Tripoli, the same accusation has surfaced in regard to fugitive Shadi Mawlawi.

Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities Nouhad al-Machnouk said in a TV interview, “It is no longer acceptable that the camp remains a hotbed where fugitives flee from justice.”

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