The al-Arida border crossingin Syrias coastal Tartous province received the third convoy ofSyrians returning voluntarily from Lebanonon Thursday, border authorities said.
The convoy comprised about 90 families, roughly 500 people, who had previously been displaced to Lebanon during the countrys conflict. The movement is part of a voluntary return program coordinated by Syrias General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR), aimed at ensuring a safe and dignified repatriation.
The General Authority for Land and Sea Portssaid in a statement on its Telegram channel that all necessary procedures were taken to facilitate the returnees entry and provide essential services, including free transportation to their hometowns across several provinces.
Filippo Grandi, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, told the Third Committee of the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday that since Dec. 8, 2024, more than 1.1 million refugees have returned to Syria from neighboring countries.
