Lebanese army detains 56 Syrians for lacking legal documents

The Lebanese army announced Friday the detention of 56 Syrian nationals for allegedly entering or remaining in the country without legal documentation, as diplomatic tensions simmer between Beirut and Damascus over the unresolved file of Syrian detainees held in Lebanese prisons.

In an official statement, the army said that units, supported by military intelligence patrols, raided Syrian refugee camps in the northern district of Koura, specifically in the areas of Anfeh, Bishmizzine, and Amioun, detaining 31 individuals.

Separately, 18 Syrians were arrested at the Madfoun military checkpoint in Batroun, while seven others were apprehended in the Dora area of Mount Lebanon’s Metn district, bringing the total number of detainees to 56. According to the army, the arrests were made due to the individuals' lack of legal residency papers. Interrogations are underway under the supervision of the judiciary.

These developments coincide with growing frustration in Damascus over what Syrian officials describe as Lebanese inaction in resolving the long-standing issue of Syrians detained in Lebanese prisons — many of whom have been held without trial for years.

According to Syrian media reports, President Ahmad Al-Shara expressed "deep dissatisfaction" with the lack of progress during a recent meeting with a delegation from Lebanon’s Dar al-Fatwa in Damascus. Unnamed sources cited by Syria TV said Al-Shara has instructed Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani to visit Beirut soon to discuss the matter. They described the visit as a final diplomatic effort before Syria considers gradual political and diplomatic measures against Lebanon.

These reports claim that over 2,000 Syrian detainees remain in Lebanese prisons under what has been described as dire conditions, many of them held without formal charges or trials since the outbreak of the Syrian uprising in 2011.

In contrast, Syria’s state-run media quoted a source from the Ministry of Information denying any plans for escalatory measures against Lebanon. However, the source reaffirmed the Syrian government’s view that resolving the detainee issue is a top priority and must be addressed urgently through official diplomatic channels.

The renewed spotlight on Syrian detainees comes months after Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited Damascus and held talks with President Al-Shara — the first such visit by a senior Lebanese official in years. According to a statement from the Lebanese Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed several key issues, including the detainee file.

Meanwhile, in a related statement Friday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining positive relations with Syria’s new government and President Al-Shara. Speaking to a visiting delegation from the Arab and International Relations Council in Beirut, Aoun reiterated Lebanon's stance of non-interference in the internal affairs of either country.

The issue of Syrian refugees and detainees continues to be a point of friction in Lebanese politics, amid economic hardship, rising xenophobia, and complex regional dynamics.