Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade has stated that the majority of weapon smuggling activities do not occur through the Masnaa border crossing with Syria, which was targeted by Israel in a recent strike. The Israel Defense Forces reported that they struck an underground tunnel crossing at the location to prevent weapons from being smuggled into Lebanon.
The Minister mentioned that Lebanon plans to inspect the site once the debris is cleared, but emphasized that most smuggling operations take place through illegal channels rather than the official entry point at Masnaa. He explained, 'Smuggling weapons into Lebanon or any other goods mostly occurs through illegal roads within Lebanon, rather than through this particular border crossing.'
The Masnaa border crossing is situated in the Bekaa Valley along the Beirut-Damascus international highway, serving as a crucial transport route for people and goods between Lebanon and Syria. In recent days, tens of thousands of individuals have utilized this highway to escape Israeli airstrikes.
The Minister expressed concerns about the impact of destroying the crossing, which is the sole land border entry point into Syria. He noted that this action has further isolated Lebanon, making the movement of goods and people between the two countries more challenging. He stated, 'This development only exacerbates the difficulties faced by individuals seeking refuge and shelter, as they try to move from Lebanon to Syria.'
