Syria, Lebanon Reopen Border Crossing D∆maged In Israeli Str!ke
Syria, Lebanon Reopen Border Crossing Damaged In Israeli Strike
Syria and Lebanon have resumed passenger and commercial traffic through the Dabousieh-Aboudieh border crossing, nearly two years after an Israeli airstrike damaged the bridge linking the two countries.
The crossing was officially reopened on Monday following reconstruction work, including the rebuilding of the border bridge, renovation of administrative facilities and expansion of transport yards and passenger halls.
According to Viory News, footage from the reopening showed aerial views of the rehabilitated facility, Lebanese and Syrian officials at the ceremony, as well as vehicles and passengers undergoing border inspection procedures.Read Daily News
Mazen Alloush, Director of International Relations and Cooperation at Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs, described the reopening as an important step towards restoring trade and improving regional connectivity.
“We reopened the Dabousieh border crossing with Lebanon today. It is the fourth crossing between the two countries and represents an important step towards resuming import and export traffic between them, as well as opening new transit routes linking Syria with northern Lebanon,” Alloush said.
He also announced plans to reopen another border facility between the neighbouring countries.
“The final crossing between us and Lebanon, the Arida border crossing, is due to open next month,” he added.
Lebanese Higher Customs Council President Misbah Khalil said the development would strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade, while emphasising the importance of maintaining effective customs checks without creating unnecessary delays for goods and travellers.
Passengers also welcomed the reopening, saying it would reduce travel time and make movement between the two countries easier.
One of the travellers, Rabih Karam, said the restored route had brought considerable relief to passengers who previously had to use alternative crossings.
“I am coming from Lebanon through the Dabousieh crossing, and everything is going smoothly. This has been a great relief for me. We used to spend five to six hours on the road, but things have become easier now,” Karam said.
According to Syria’s state news agency, SANA, the reopening followed the reconstruction of the damaged bridge, rehabilitation of service and administrative buildings, and expansion of freight yards and passenger facilities.
Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny said the crossing is expected to accommodate between 8,000 and 10,000 passengers and 150 to 200 trucks daily, easing congestion at other border points.
The Dabousieh-Aboudieh crossing connects Syria’s Homs Governorate with Lebanon’s northern Akkar region.
It had remained closed since November 2024, when an Israeli strike damaged the bridge over the Nahr al-Kabir al-Janoubi, also known as the Great Southern River.
