Lebanese media reported that the General Directorate of State Security conducted operations on Friday to evacuate unauthorized Syrian refugees in northern Lebanon.
According to the National News Agency, State Security patrols in the North – Minieh-Dinniyeh Office continued to clear shops operated by Syrians in the Jabal Al-Baddawi area, sealing them with red wax based on directives from relevant authorities.
The agency added that some of these shops were handed over to their Lebanese owners after they obtained the necessary official documents, according to a statement from the State Security Directorate.
Meanwhile, three new groups of Syrian refugees returned to Syria from Lebanon on Thursday via the Al-Zamrani crossing in rural Damascus and the Jousiyah crossing in rural Homs.
These returns had been on hold since May 16. Upon their arrival, security conditions for the refugees will be settled as they relocate to new residential areas in Syria.
Mahmoud Al-Jassem, Deputy Governor of Rural Damascus, told Sputnik that the Syrian government has implemented several measures and will continue to facilitate refugees’ return and ensure dignified living conditions in Syria.
Al-Jassem highlighted the preparations made to secure the return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon, including amnesty decrees, the establishment of reception centres, the rehabilitation of infrastructure, the restoration of civil documents, and the provision of medical, educational, and cultural care.
He stated that many Syrian families returned via the Al-Zamrani crossing in rural Damascus, bringing their household belongings and vehicles with Syrian license plates.
They received medical care and services from equipped medical teams at the crossing.
Additionally, food baskets were distributed to the returnees, and the Civil Affairs Directorate recorded their information to begin fully regularizing their status and facilitating their return to normal life.
Representatives from the Russian Reconciliation Center participated in welcoming the returning refugees, providing healthcare, social services, and educational programs for children who had missed schooling while living abroad.
Since Thursday morning, the General Directorate of Lebanese General Security has been organizing the voluntary return of around 350 Syrians who had registered their names at designated centres for repatriation via the Al-Zamrani – Arsal and Al-Qaa border crossings.
