Will Tripoli’s Mina turn into another Bab al-Tebbaneh?

The similarities between Mina and Bab al-Tebbaneh in Tripoli may be numerous, as poverty and deprivation bring them together. The emerging confrontation between the residents is another factor of convergence between both regions. The only difference is that between Bab al-Tebbaneh and Jabal Mohsen, the conflict is political and sectarian, while division in Mina is political and between the members of one family.    

Among the “heroes” of this story, Sheikh Hashem Minkara, who came back from the prison of Damascus where he was held for more than ten years, and now proclaims his loyalty to the Syrian regime, a loyalty that provokes the rest of the Sunni in the Mina.            

In this context, Sheikh Minkara told LBCI that the dispute started between children and then escalated to gunfire exchange and sniping operations between the two sides. He stressed that “this matter is neither easy nor minor”.         

This incident incited Dar al-Fatwa, unable to dismiss Sheikh Minkara from Mina Mosque, where he lives. Sheikh Omar Rajab al-Kawni was appointed Imam for the Mosque.          

For his part, Sheikh Omar told LBCI that, the dispute was mainly for political reasons, explaining that the problem will be solved soon.          

Meanwhile, the Army is deployed around the Mina Mosque to contain any dispute that may occur, since it is impossible to find a radical solution for the problem.