
The Masnaa border crossing, Dec. 8, 2024. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'OLJ)
Panic has taken over the Masnaa border crossing since Friday morning due to the denial of Lebanese nationals' entry to Syria. According to witnesses on the ground, "the entry conditions would have changed overnight, causing confusion among many families waiting to cross.
"There are Syrian families with Lebanese members, and children, who are completely overwhelmed and have been waiting for hours," recounts this witness, who could not cross. Entry for Syrian nationals remains open, however.
According to a source from General Security, who wished to remain anonymous, all border points have indeed been closed since the morning. Lebanese media had reported in the morning that Syrian authorities now require Lebanese nationals to have a Syrian residence permit. Other information also mentioned new requirements such as possessing 2000 dollars in cash, a hotel reservation, or a medical appointment obtained through a Syrian sponsor.
Rumors
"The border is closed on our side," confirmed the media spokesperson for the new Syrian government to L’OLJ, asserting that all rumors about new entry conditions into Syria for Lebanese are "completely false."
"We have no further details on this closure," stated the spokesperson.
The same response from the Lebanese side, according to the General Security source. Another source within the Lebanese Army, who also requested anonymity, indicated that a clash reportedly occurred, on Thursday, between Lebanese soldiers and members of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), at the Masnaa border. "It was resolved quickly, we do not know if the Syrian side closure is related to this incident," this source suggests.
A Lebanese taxi driver, who constantly shuttles between the two countries, was prevented from passing on Friday. "We heard it's linked to that fight the day before, but nothing concrete. We are waiting to know more," says Abou Tarek, who nonetheless notes a change in tone on the Syrian side in recent days. "I was asked where I came from to know what my religion is. Some colleagues were directly asked if they were Sunni or Shia," recounts this taxi driver.