EXCLUSIVE: Armenian Town of Anjar Provides Shelter to Lebanese Refugees Fleeing Israeli Bombardment

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Due to the escalating conflict in the region, the town of Anjar, Lebanon, has become a refuge for many displaced families. Vardges Khoshian, the mayor of Anjar, spoke with The Armenian Report to provide an update on the current situation facing the Armenian community there.

As of October 1st (4pm Armenia time), Khoshian reported that Lebanon was experiencing a period of relative calm. "Things are more peaceful here; there are almost no airstrikes," he said. However, despite the temporary peace, the conflict in nearby areas has forced families to flee to safer regions, including Anjar.

Anjar, a town with a 100% Armenian population, has become a sanctuary for around 120 families who have sought refuge from the violence. With schools currently closed due to the situation, the town's leadership has opened these buildings to accommodate the displaced families. "We gave them shelter in our schools, as classes are not in session," Khoshian explained.

In addition to those in need of shelter, some emigrants who are in better financial situations have rented apartments and moved to live in the town. According to Khoshian, the reason many are coming to Anjar is because it is seen as a safer location compared to other areas in Lebanon. The town also benefits from stable access to essential services like electricity and water, making it more suitable for those seeking refuge.

While the situation in Anjar remains stable for now, Khoshian expressed concerns about the approaching winter months. "If the weather turns cold soon, we will need to find means of heating for the migrants. It is difficult and painful in this situation," he noted. The challenges of managing the growing number of displaced people in Anjar are reminiscent of the crisis that hit Armenia a year ago, when families in Artsakh were forced to flee their homes. "Just like our situation in Artsakh a year and a week ago, when our relatives left their homes and became homeless," Khoshian recalled to The Armenian Report the September 2023 ethnic cleansing of indigenous Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijani forces.

Although Anjar itself has not been directly hit by the violence, it has come dangerously close. "When the Israeli bombardment happened near us, it was only twelve kilometers away from Anjar," Khoshian revealed. He pointed out that the Israeli military is not specifically targeting military sites but is striking residential areas instead. "Israel's targets are clear. It is delivering strikes on residential areas, just like Azerbaijan used to attack Artsakh," Khoshian explained, drawing parallels between the tactics used by Israel and Azerbaijan.

Khoshian also mentioned the use of controversial weapons in the conflict. "As Azerbaijan used phosphorus in Artsakh, Israel often uses it in residential areas," he said, expressing concern over the impact of these attacks on civilians.

Story is developing as Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes in response to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah today.