TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Syrian authority has declared that its team will temporarily close a major border crossing with Lebanon due to security concerns following warnings from Israel about potential attacks in the area.
The General Authority for Border and Crossings in Syria stated that the Jdeidet Yabous crossing, located across from the Masnaa crossing in Lebanon, is designated for civilian use only, not for any military purposes. The authority stated in a release, "There are no armed groups or militias at the crossing, and the location is not used for any activities outside the civilian and legal framework."
The authority mentioned that traffic will return to normal after the situation stabilizes. The announcement came after the Israeli military expressed its intent to target the road to the Masnaa crossing, a major transit point along the Syria-Lebanon border, on the grounds that Hezbollah uses the route for military operations.
Tensions remain high along the border amid the current regional conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Earlier, the Israeli military stated that it would attack areas around the main crossings between Syria and Lebanon. Residents were advised to leave the area as Israel's military operation in the Lebanese region continued.
Since March 2, Israel has escalated its airstrikes and launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah became involved in the conflict on Iran's side.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee mentioned that the Masnaa crossing is used by Hezbollah for military purposes, including the smuggling of combat equipment. "The Israeli military plans to attack the crossing soon," he said, as reported by Al-Monitor, urging residents to evacuate immediately.
Lebanese security sources stated that evacuation processes are underway in the crossing area following the threat. On the other hand, Syrian authorities denied Israel's allegations. Mazen Aloush, the public relations director of the General Authority for Border and Customs, affirmed that the Jdeidet Yabous crossing in Syrian territory is entirely used for civilian purposes.
As a precautionary measure, traffic at the crossing has been temporarily halted until the situation is deemed safe. An AFP journalist reported that the area appeared deserted on Sunday morning, with only a few officials still on guard.
The Masnaa crossing is the main overland route between Lebanon and Syria, and it is a vital trade route for both countries. For Lebanon, this route is a crucial access to the regional area.
ANTARA | XINHUA | AL-MONITOR
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