First group of Syrians returns home under government-backed repatriation plan

(MENAFN) More than 120 Syrian refugees crossed back into Syria from Lebanon on Tuesday through the Masnaa border point, marking the initial phase of a government-supported repatriation initiative. Earlier in the day, the refugees gathered at a local stadium in Bar Elias, eastern Lebanon, before being transported to the border crossing.

The convoy was protected by Lebanese security forces until they reached Syrian territory, where Syrian security personnel then took charge. This return process was coordinated with Syrian interim officials and various international humanitarian agencies.

Lebanon’s Minister of Social Affairs, who manages refugee affairs, indicated that the plan could see between 200,000 and 400,000 Syrians return by the end of the year. Current estimates by Lebanon’s General Security Directorate suggest that over 2.08 million Syrian refugees reside in Lebanon, although just 825,000 of them are officially registered with the UN refugee agency.

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