Strangely enough, pro-Turkey flags and posters have been appearing in various Lebanese areas on Monday, February 2nd.
In processions and flags, some Lebanese are expressing their support of Turkey after it launched a military operation against the Syrian Arab Army.
After the Turkish Armed Forces launched Operation Peace Spring, in an open declaration of war on its neighboring state, the Syrian Arab Army and its allies are pushing back against the new frontier.
Turkey’s major counteroffensive operation came after at least 36 of its troops were reportedly killed and more than 30 wounded by Russian and Syrian artillery showers.
Over the past 24 hours, both sides of the clash have suffered casualties and vehicle losses as Russia mediates a cease-fire in Syria.
In light of these events, a procession of civilian vehicles was filmed roaming the streets of the Northern Lebanese town of Beddaoui in support of the Turkish side of the fight on Monday afternoon.
A similar demonstration took place, a day earlier, on Sunday, after the Turkish Defense Minister, Hulusi Akar, announced the beginning of his country’s military operation against the Syrian government.
Also in Beddaoui, a large poster of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan wearing a military cap was raised with the caption: “The leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, may God save him.”
Similarly, a group of men was photographed raising Turkish flags atop the Naameh bridge. The appearance of Turkish flags in Lebanon, coupled with the poster of the Turkish President, sparked controversy and criticism on social media.
“…And when we came down raising Lebanese flags, they accused us of pushing foreign agendas,” said presenter Amanie Geha, criticizing people who proudly and defensively raise foreign flags in their country instead of Lebanese flags.
It does indeed beg the question of who are these people raising Turkish flags and demonstrating in support of a conflict Lebanon is not involved in?
Don’t we have more than enough Lebanese demands to protest for? Why do we always have to also endorse the conflicts of others?