BEIRUT: On Saturday, Lebanon expelled approximately 70 Syrian officers and soldiers who had entered the country illegally.
The soldiers were returned to Syria after crossing informal routes into Lebanon, confirmed a Lebanese security official.
Syrian Military Personnel Detained After Return
The returnees were reportedly detained by Syria’s new ruling administration, which has been tightening control over the region.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based group, confirmed that the personnel had been sent back.
The military personnel were transported via Lebanon’s northern Arida crossing, a common border route, according to sources.
Security Crackdown on Assad Regime’s “Remnants”
Syria’s new authorities have launched a major security crackdown on alleged remnants of the former Assad regime.
This crackdown targets towns near the Lebanese border, including those in Homs and Tartous provinces, sources say.
Truck Discovery Leads to Identification
Lebanese authorities discovered the Syrian soldiers in a truck at the northern coastal city of Jbeil.
The Lebanese officials inspected the truck and later confirmed the soldiers’ identification before sending them back to Syria.
Families of Assad’s Regime Fleeing to Lebanon
In early December, Syria’s former regime figures, including close family members of Bashar al-Assad, fled to Lebanon.
Among them was Rifaat al-Assad, the Syrian president’s uncle, who faces war crime charges related to a 1982 crackdown.
Other regime members have been reported to have crossed from Beirut into Dubai recently, further intensifying the region’s tensions.
Security Matters and International Relations
Lebanese and Syrian government officials have yet to comment on the recent incident regarding the deportation of the soldiers.
Reports show that key Assad advisor Bouthaina Shaaban also left Lebanon after entering the country legally.
This expulsion comes amid increasing scrutiny on Lebanon’s role in allowing former Syrian regime officials to seek refuge.
