Syrian border crossings with Lebanon are witnessing a significant surge in the number of Syrian nationals returning from Lebanon. The mass movement appears to be driven by growing fears of a large-scale Israeli military offensive against its neighbor.
In a Facebook post, Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa announced government ministries and agencies are working to handle the surge of returnees at border crossings and to provide them with essential support, including healthcare.
Full Capacity to Welcome Citizens Home
Mazen Alloush, Director of Relations at the General Authority for Land Ports and Customs, said that the Jdeidet Yabous and Josiah border crossings are operating at full capacity to manage the increased flow of people.
“Our staff are on alert around the clock to facilitate procedures for returnees while providing all necessary services,” Alloush stated. “This aligns with our national responsibility and constant keenness to provide the best possible conditions for the return of our citizens to their homeland.” He confirmed the crossings are fully prepared to handle the increased traffic, while noting no new entry procedures have been implemented for Lebanese nationals entering Syria.
Thousands Return Amid Escalating Fears
The mass movement of people comes amid a dramatic escalation in regional hostilities. In the early hours of Monday, the Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on several areas in Lebanon. Speaking to Levant24, Abu Daniel, a taxi driver working on the Damascus-Beirut route reported a noticeable spike in the number of returnees on Monday. He estimates between 1,000 and 2,000 Syrians have crossed back into Syria on March 2 alone.
Summarizing the fears of many fleeing a potential war in Lebanon, Abu Daniel said, “There is widespread dread that Israel will launch a full-scale war on Lebanon, which is why Syrians are returning.”
Lebanon’s Hardship Drives Syrian Return
Jihad al-Ahmad, a 45-year-old Syrian resident from Raqqa province, spoke to Levant24 upon his return to his hometown following a 12-hour journey from southern Lebanon. Ahmad reported he originally left his village in Raqqa in 2012 after being drafted for military service by the Assad regime, subsequently residing and working on a farm near Nabatieh. Following significant military operations by Israel in southern Lebanon months ago, he was displaced to the Bekaa Valley. He now made the decision to return to Syria permanently.
“I have resolved to return to my homeland for good and will never go back to Lebanon,” he stated. He and his wife, along with their three children, plan to reside and work in Raqqa. “We’re exhausted from living in Lebanon as refugees,” he explained. “In Syria, we are citizens with full rights. I felt this immediately upon arrival at the Masnaa Border Crossing, where Syrian authorities welcomed all Syrians without any discrimination.”
Describing his journey, Ahmad said he departed Nabatieh at approximately 4:00 am, reaching the border crossing by 2:00 pm. He noted thousands of Syrians were awaiting entry. After waiting for several hours, they crossed into Syrian territory around 7:00 pm.
Ahmad cited Lebanon’s economic hardship and security concerns as key factors in his decision. He also said conditions in Raqqa have improved and that he hopes to rebuild his family’s life there, with his children returning to public schools and the possibility of seeking government employment. The surge in returns reflects mounting uncertainty in Lebanon and shifting perceptions among some Syrians that conditions at home have stabilized relative to those across the border.
