Syrian-Lebanese crossings are closed: UNHCR
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Although large numbers of Syrian refugees are escaping back to Syria, crossings and immigration centers between Syria and Lebanon are closed.
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Syrian families wait to cross into Syria from Turkey at the Cilvegozu border gate, near the town of Antakya, southern Turkey, Monday, December 9, 2024. (AP)
The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated on Monday that the border crossings between Lebanon and Syria are closed, noting that immigration facilities and centers on the Syrian side are not operational.
According to the office, the UNHCR is aware of reports regarding the return of Syrians from Lebanon to Syria, with some movements observed through the Masnaa border crossing in the Bekaa region. However, while official border crossings in northern Lebanon are currently closed, returns are being reported through unofficial crossings in areas such as Wadi Khaled.
Procedures have been announced to facilitate returns to Syria, the statement further read, citing the Lebanese General Security Office. Regardless, it is important to note that "immigration facilities and centers on the Syrian side are currently not operational. Additionally, the UNHCR has been informed of thousands of Syrians fleeing from Syria to Lebanon."
In this context, the report mentioned that around one million internally displaced persons in Syria, as of November 28, have begun returning to their homes since December 7.
In detail, the UN office stated "Approximately one million people, mostly women and children, have been displaced from various areas in Syria, including Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Idlib. More than one in five of those displaced were displaced for at least the second time since December 7." Reports have also indicated a large and increasing number of refugee returns.
Lebanese Army bolsters presence at border with Syria
Following the fall of the Assad administration and the swift takeover of the militant groups that are now serving as the transitional government forces of Syria, the Lebanese Army announced that it had reinforced its forces along the Syrian-Lebanese border.
"In light of rapid developments and delicate circumstances that the region is going through... units tasked with monitoring and controlling the northern and eastern borders have been reinforced, in conjunction with tightening surveillance measures," the Army said in a statement.
According to AFP, tens of cars are lined up at the Masnaa border crossing from Lebanon to Syria.
In light of the unfolding events, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati revealed that he discussed the situation at the Lebanese-Syrian border in a call with Lebanese Army commander Joseph Aoun and chiefs of the Lebanese Security Forces.
Mikati insisted "in these calls on the priority of tightening control over the border and distancing Lebanon from the repercussions of the developments in Syria," his office said in a statement.
