BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Interior Minister, Bassam Mawlawi, announced on Friday that the Lebanese government was working with Syria to resolve newly imposed restrictions that have impacted Lebanese citizens seeking entry into Syria. Mawlawi stated that efforts are underway to address the issue of Lebanese nationals being blocked from entering Syria, following reports from two security officials who revealed the new measures.
According to Mawlawi, Lebanon’s General Security agency has been in contact with Syrian authorities to find a solution. This development marks the first sign of tension between the two neighboring countries, who share a complex and often strained history. The friction emerged just weeks after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime faced pressure from Islamist-led rebels, but the recent border restrictions are now putting a strain on relations.
Previously, Lebanese citizens were allowed to enter Syria freely with just their passports or ID cards, without the need for a visa. However, a Lebanese General Security official expressed surprise when they discovered that the border had been closed to Lebanese citizens from the Syrian side. According to the official, no formal notification of the new restrictions had been received until Friday.
A security source at Masnaa, the main land border crossing, revealed that Syrian authorities had implemented new measures, only allowing Lebanese citizens with residency permits or official clearance to cross. This move is seen as a reversal of Lebanon’s long-standing policy of allowing free entry for Lebanese nationals.
The situation escalated further when clashes occurred between the Lebanese army and armed Syrians at the border. The Lebanese army reported that its forces were attempting to close an illegal crossing when armed Syrians attempted to breach the border, leading to violence. Five Lebanese soldiers were injured during the confrontation, with the situation escalating as the clashes resumed, injuring additional soldiers.
This latest development highlights the ongoing tension between Lebanon and Syria, as well as the complexities of border control in a region marked by both political unrest and economic challenges.
