Lebanon has “strict instructions” to prevent illegal entry of Syrian nationals, minister says

Lebanese authorities are on alert to prevent Syrian nationals from crossing the border into Lebanon illegally.

Authorities have “strict instructions” in place to “prevent the random entry of Syrians into Lebanon,” state media quoted Bassam Mawlawi, Lebanon’s interior minister, as saying.

Though Mawlawi said there haven’t been “alarming movements” of Syrian migrants toward Lebanon, security agencies are continuing to operate there with reinforcements, according to Lebanese state news agency NNA.

He indicated that strict measures are in place to prevent “random entry of Syrians to Lebanon,” and that only those with legal residency in Lebanon, and those who can prove they are only transiting through, are allowed to enter. He also confirmed that no security personnel from the former Syrian regime have entered the country.

“Illegal crossings are closed and are under the control of the Lebanese army,” Mawlawi said, adding that any Syrian being actively prosecuted will be denied entry.

More context: Currently, more Syrians are leaving Lebanon than entering, he said, adding, “we expect more exits as the situation stabilizes in Syria.”

On Monday, Mawlawi ordered reinforcements for the Masnaa crossing between Lebanon and Syria, and called on authorities to take immediate measures to prevent Syrians from illegally crossing the border into Lebanon.

According to the United Nations, Lebanon hosts an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees.

Separately, the Lebanese army said Tuesday that it fired warning shots after unidentified gunmen crossed the border from Syria and approached one of the army’s border posts. After the warning shots were fired, the militants retreated into Syrian territory, the statement said.

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