Lebanon closes six illegal border crossings with Syria

ANKARA

Lebanon closed six illegal border crossings with Syria amid efforts to stop smuggling between the two countries, the army said on Monday.

A military statement said the cross-border passages were closed in the regions of Hoch al-Sayyed Ali, Mashrouat al-Qaa, and Qabech.

The Lebanese-Syrian border, spanning 375 kilometers (233 miles), features rugged terrain with no clear demarcation in many areas. While six official border crossings exist, the region remains porous, with frequent activity at unauthorized routes.

Tensions flared between the two countries last week after Syria’s Defense Ministry accused the Lebanese group Hezbollah of abducting and killing three soldiers. While Damascus promised “all necessary measures” against the “dangerous escalation,” Hezbollah denied involvement.

Syria’s government aims to tighten security and reinforce control on its borders, including with Lebanon, targeting drug smugglers and remnants of the former regime that have been stirring unrest.