The border between Lebanon and Syria at Qasr, a village in Hermel, on February 13, 2025. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient-Le Jour)
The Lebanese army closed six illegal crossing points in Hermel, along the Lebanese Syrian border, in order to combat smuggling and infiltration, the troops announced on their X account. These cross-border passages, closed by bulldozers are located in the regions of Hoch al-Sayyed Ali, Mashrouat al-Qaa, and Qabech. This region has seen tensions from February until mid-March, involving Lebanese 'groups' alleged to be close to Hezbollah and the new Syrian authorities. A few days ago, the Lebanese army also claimed to have closed three illegal crossing points in the Qaa region, as well as in the Mashrafeh and Doura - Hermel areas.
The most recent clashes erupted on Sunday, March 16, following an incident that the Lebanese side described as an "infiltration" of Syrian soldiers into Lebanon at the village of al-Qasr, while Damascus refers to it as an ambush and the "liquidation" of Syrian soldiers "by Hezbollah." The party denied any involvement. Exchanges of gunfire involving the Lebanese army, which also used heavy artillery, were reported in the region. The following day, a cease-fire was reached between Lebanon and Syria.
The ministerial commission tasked with considering measures to secure borders and combat smuggling recommended last Thursday to "strengthen the army's capabilities in equipment and manpower to enable it to fight smuggling more effectively and apprehend smugglers."