Lebanon is working to resolve a new entry restriction imposed by Syria on Lebanese citizens, according to Lebanon’s Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi. The Lebanese General Security agency is in communication with Syrian authorities to address the issue.
Previously, Lebanese citizens could enter Syria without a visa, simply using their passport or ID. However, new measures were introduced at the Masnaa border crossing, where Lebanese citizens are now only allowed entry with residency permits or official authorization. This has created confusion as no formal notification of the new restrictions was given.
This is the first sign of tension between the neighboring countries since the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad’s regime by Islamist-led forces last month.
In related developments, there was a border clash between the Lebanese army and armed Syrians at an illegal crossing. The skirmish resulted in five Lebanese soldiers being wounded when Syrian forces attempted to reopen the crossing with a bulldozer, triggering gunfire and escalating violence. The situation remains tense along Lebanon’s porous eastern border, a known route for smuggling.
Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, recently assured Lebanese leaders that his government would respect Lebanonβs sovereignty.
