New Syrian Rulers Impose New Restrictions at the Lebanon Border

Syria has imposed unprecedented restrictions at its border with Lebanon, and Lebanese officials say efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing. Bassam Mawlawi, Lebanon's Minister of Interior, stated on Friday evening, January 14, that Beirut is working to 'resolve' the matter and find a solution with Syria. According to him, Lebanon's General Security Agency is in contact with the 'Syrian side' to address this problem. Previously, Lebanese citizens could enter Syria without a visa, using only their passport or ID, but on Friday, news agencies reported from two Lebanese security officials that the Syrian border has been closed to citizens of Lebanon. According to a security source in Masnaa, the main land crossing between the two countries, the new Syrian rulers have implemented 'new procedures' since Thursday evening, allowing only those with residency permits in Syria or official entry permits to cross. According to AFP, this action appears to be the first instance of friction between the two neighbors, who have a tense history. A Lebanese security official told the news agency that the closure of the Syrian border to Lebanese citizens was surprising, and Beirut officials have not yet issued directives regarding the new border measures. Meanwhile, officials from both countries reported a phone call between Najib Mikati, the interim Prime Minister of Lebanon, and Ahmad al-Shara, the new Syrian ruler and leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. Mikati's office stated that the two discussed bilateral relations, 'especially urgent matters,' and Ahmad al-Shara invited the Lebanese Prime Minister to visit Syria. Ahmad al-Shara also mentioned that relevant Syrian authorities have taken necessary actions to 'restore calm at the border and prevent a recurrence of what has happened.' Reports indicate that the closure of the Syrian border to Lebanese citizens followed a confrontation between Lebanese soldiers and a group of armed individuals on the Syrian side. The Lebanese Army stated that on Friday, when its soldiers attempted to block 'an illegal crossing' with Syria, armed individuals on the Syrian side tried to reopen the passage with a bulldozer, and their gunfire resulted in injuries to five soldiers. It is unclear who the armed individuals on the Syrian side were. According to AFP, the porous eastern border of Lebanon is known for smuggling. Ahmad al-Shara had previously promised during a meeting with Walid Jumblatt, the leader of the Druze in Lebanon, that Syria would not 'interfere negatively' in Lebanon and would respect the country's sovereignty. The Lebanese civil war led to the expansion of Syrian influence in the country, and Syria was the dominant military and political force in Lebanon for three decades. Eventually, in 2005, following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Syria was forced to withdraw its forces from the country under international pressure.