Security ties between Lebanon and Syria are shifting rapidly from sporadic contacts to a more structured coordination as both countries confront growing threats along their shared border. The change was underscored on Wednesday when a high-level Syrian security delegation visited Lebanon’s Interior Ministry for talks focused on direct intelligence-sharing and closer field coordination against networks smuggling weapons, drugs and people. The meeting followed limited and intermittent cooperation on smuggling and illegal crossings and came as Syrian authorities tightened security after thwarting attempts to move weapons into Lebanon. Border security Border control, counterterrorism, cross-border crime and the smuggling of weapons and drugs dominated talks between Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed al-Hajjar and the Syrian delegation. The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen coordination between the relevant security agencies in both countries. Al-Hajjar met Syrian Assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs Brigadier General Mulham al-Shantout. The visit followed a series of security measures by Syrian authorities along the Lebanese border, including the seizure of weapons shipments intended for Lebanon. Syria also closed the Abboudiyeh crossing on Lebanon’s northern border for what it described as logistical reasons, adding urgency to efforts to tighten control over crossings and curb smuggling. Direct information-sharing Al-Hajjar said the meeting addressed cooperation, coordination and information-sharing between Lebanese and Syrian security agencies, as well as stronger ties between the two interior ministries. He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the talks focused on securing border crossings, preventing weapons and drug smuggling and combating the illegal movement of people and goods. The two sides discussed completing the reopening of land crossings, particularly at Abboudiyeh and Arida, as well as Syrian measures to facilitate the return of displaced Syrians. Al-Hajjar said the Syrian side had shown “a high level of responsiveness” on all the issues raised. Clear communication channels Al-Hajjar said the two sides agreed to establish a clear, well-organized communication mechanism between the Lebanese and Syrian interior ministries to ensure that cooperation goes beyond formal discussions. “I will personally follow up on this matter, particularly regarding information-sharing between the two sides,” he said. “In the past, the Syrian side would seize weapons and drugs and the matter would be reported in the media,” he added. “Now, we have begun coordination and information-sharing and have started defining the responsibilities of both the Lebanese and Syrian sides. The two countries will share security information obtained by either party.” He said weapons and drug smuggling took up a significant part of the meeting and would be followed up through high-level coordination. Regular security meetings The meeting lasted about three hours. In a statement afterward, Lebanon’s Interior Ministry said the talks covered relations between the two ministries, ways to develop them and steps to strengthen coordination in the shared interests of both countries and their peoples. The participants reviewed security cooperation and stressed the need for direct communication channels and information-sharing, particularly in counterterrorism, to confront common security threats. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of continuing the plan to return displaced Syrians under existing frameworks and through coordination among the relevant authorities. They discussed cooperation at border crossings, coordination against the smuggling of drugs, weapons and people, and the need to intensify joint field efforts against cross-border crime. At the end of the meeting, Lebanon and Syria agreed to maintain contact, strengthen coordination and hold regular meetings to follow up on the agreements reached.
