Lebanon Closes All but One Border Crossing with Syria

Lebanon’s General Security Directorate has announced the closure of all land border crossings with Syria, with the exception of the main crossing at Masnaa, located in the eastern Bekaa Valley. This decision follows an Israeli airstrike that damaged the Arida border crossing in northern Lebanon, which had only recently reopened. The security agency stated that the closures would remain in effect until further notice to ensure the safety of travelers.

The airstrike, which targeted the Arida crossing, caused significant material damage and disrupted road access. According to the Israeli military, the airstrike was aimed at a border crossing used for the transfer of munitions to Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon. The only remaining operational crossing, Masnaa, connects Lebanon with Syria’s capital, Damascus, and will continue to facilitate movement between the two countries.