Lebanon closes border crossings with Syria

ISTANBUL

Lebanon on Friday closed major border crossings with Syria indefinitely, following Israeli forces' overnight airstrikes.

Lebanon has decided to close most border crossings with Syria, particularly in the north, in response to repeated Israeli airstrikes, the country's official National News Agency (NNA) reported, citing a statement from the Lebanese General Directorate of Security.

This measure aims to ensure the safety of those crossing, and the closures will be in effect until further notice.

However, the Masnaa border crossing will remain open for entry and exit, particularly for Syrian nationals, in accordance with previously issued temporary exceptional procedures and instructions, it stated.

Border crossings between Lebanon and Syria

Lebanon borders Israel to the south and Syria to the east and north, with the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Lebanon shares an 87-kilometer border with Israel and a 375-kilometer land border with Syria.​​​​​​​

There are 5 border gates between Lebanon and Syria: Jadide Yabus (Masna in Lebanon), Ed-Debbusiye (Al-Abbudiyya in Lebanon), Jusiyye (Al-Qaa in Lebanon), Tartus (Al-Arida in Lebanon) and Tel Kalak (Al-Bukaya in Lebanon).

*Writing by Efe Ozkan