Syrian border crossings overloaded amid Middle East escalation

Syrian border crossings with Lebanon are experiencing a surge in returning migrants amid intensified Israeli strikes on Lebanon, leading to increased cross-border movement, SANA reports, citing official statements.

Raed al-Saleh, Syria’s Minister for Emergency Situations and Disaster Management, stated that authorities are coordinating several government agencies to manage the influx effectively and provide support to returning families. The Jusiyah crossing in Homs province has become particularly congested, as more Syrians are returning from Lebanon due to the changing security situation in the region.

Louay Suleiman, head of passenger services at the crossing, noted that passenger flow remains normal and movement between Syria and Lebanon continues without disruption, despite the tensions. Meanwhile, teams from the Syrian Civil Defence under the Ministry of Emergency Situations have activated a humanitarian response plan at the Jdeidet Yabous crossing, which is receiving large numbers of people from Lebanon.

Officials emphasised that these measures are part of the government’s coordinated efforts to assist returning migrants amid ongoing escalation. The regional tension is linked to heavy Israeli strikes on several areas in Lebanon, including the capital, following rocket fire from southern Lebanon targeting Israeli positions in the north. These developments are part of broader regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.