In a new political and security escalation between Damascus and Hezbollah, the Syrian Ministry of Interior accused the party of providing shelter inside Lebanese territory for those involved in crimes dating back to the period of the former Syrian regime, stressing that the Syrian authorities are working to pursue them and recover them in preparation for holding them accountable.
In statements to Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath, the Ministry explained that a number of people accused of committing crimes during the previous stage fled to Lebanon after the fall of the regime, noting that Damascus is following up on this file within the framework of existing security cooperation with the Lebanese authorities.
The Syrian Interior confirmed that the new authorities have taken steps aimed at “building confidence and strengthening the partnership” with Lebanon, considering that Beirut represents a “true and reliable partner” in efforts to control the common border and prevent smuggling and infiltration between the two countries.
This Syrian position comes in conjunction with an accelerating political movement between Beirut and Damascus, after the visit made by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to the Syrian capital and his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Tishreen Palace.
Salam had announced, in a statement published on the “X” platform, that the results of the visit “will appear soon,” noting that the two sides agreed to launch a “joint business council” and enhance economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
The Lebanese Prime Minister also stressed that the discussions addressed the need to tighten border control and prevent smuggling, in light of the increasing security and economic challenges in the border areas between Lebanon and Syria.
The recent Syrian statements carry remarkable political connotations, especially as they come at a stage that is witnessing a redrawing of official relations between the two countries after years of tension and political division over the relationship with the former Syrian regime.
Relations between Beirut and Damascus have witnessed a sharp decline over the past years, as a result of the internal Lebanese division regarding dealing with the former Syrian authority, in addition to the repercussions of the Syrian war and the complex security files related to the borders, displaced persons, and smuggling.
However, recent regional developments and the fall of the previous regime in Syria pushed towards reopening official channels of communication between the two sides, especially in light of the need for coordination in the files of security, energy, trade, and the file of displaced Syrians.
To date, Lebanon hosts hundreds of thousands of displaced Syrians who fled during the years of war, while the file of return and border control constitutes one of the most sensitive files between the two countries at the current stage.
