The Lebanese army, in collaboration with the country's Intelligence Directorate, has recently closed multiple smuggling routes located in Masharih Al-Qaa region, a sparsely defined area along the border with Syria.

According to a military source, these routes were previously utilized for the clandestine movement of goods, fuel, and individuals.

The Lebanese-Syrian border spans approximately 375 kilometers and encompasses diverse topography including towns, villages, and mountainous regions.

The government estimates the existence of 136 illicit crossing points, with over half situated in the Bekaa region.

Due to limited personnel and surveillance equipment, these areas have historically been vulnerable to various criminal activities such as human trafficking, weapon smuggling, and the illicit trade of drugs and other contraband.

The porous borders have traditionally served the interests of groups like Hezbollah and Palestinian factions aligned with Syria.

Over time, Hezbollah has established its own border crossings and safeguarded others used by smugglers within its support base.

Similarly, Palestinian factions erected their own border posts, facilitating the movement of weapons and individuals.

In recent years, dismantling these illicit border posts has been a primary objective for the Lebanese army as it endeavors to restrict the proliferation of weapons outside state control.

On Sunday, the military dismissed claims circulating on social media that armed individuals had entered Lebanon from Syria via the eastern mountain range and that troops had retreated from border areas in the Bekaa.

The army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining control over the Lebanese-Syrian border and monitoring the internal security situation to prevent any breaches.

It also appealed for accurate reporting regarding military and security developments, urging responsible journalism and discouraging rumors that could instigate social unrest.

Since the regime change in Syria, both countries have engaged in several meetings aimed at enhancing coordination on border security measures.

In March 2017, Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa and his Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Qasra signed an agreement in Jeddah concerning border demarcation and strengthened security cooperation.

This agreement came in the wake of violent clashes between the Syrian army and Hezbollah-affiliated groups along the border earlier that month.

The issue of undefined borders dates back to the Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916, when France assumed control over both countries and delineated the borders with significant imprecision.

Although some sections were demarcated in 1934, several areas remain unresolved.

The Syrian regime has historically refused to recognize Lebanon as an independent state, considering it part of a larger 'Greater Syria' entity.

In light of these developments, Kuwait expressed its solidarity with Lebanon on Monday.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

He affirmed that 'Lebanon will remain Lebanon' and assured support for the country's security cooperation initiatives.

The Kuwaiti minister also emphasized the need to activate the work of the Kuwaiti-Lebanese Higher Joint Committee in order to provide assistance to Lebanon.

President Aoun highlighted the importance of coordinating efforts to address common challenges, particularly in terms of security cooperation, in combating drug smuggling and other threats that may impact both countries' security.