Homs, April 6 (SANA) The Jousieh border crossing with Lebanon in Homs countryside is witnessing increased activity as growing numbers of Syrians return home amid the repercussions of Israeli attacks in Lebanon and the closure of other border crossings.
Maher al-Haj Ahmad, Director of Public Relations at the crossing, told SANA that staff have been operating at full capacity for the second consecutive day to receive arrivals, noting that around 5,000 travelers were processed on Sunday. He added that congestion intensified after traffic was redirected following the closure of the Jdeidet Yabous crossing, prompting round-the-clock operations to ensure smooth procedures.
The administration has introduced measures to facilitate movement, including accelerating legal procedures, strengthening medical and emergency services, and providing free internal transport, while maintaining readiness to receive larger numbers until other crossings reopen.
Rahaf Safar, a physician with a mobile team affiliated with the Syrian Family Planning Association and the United Nations Population Fund, said the team was deployed to meet increased demand for healthcare services, particularly for women affected by the psychological impact of the conflict. She noted that the team is fully equipped to provide medical care and psychosocial support, handling multiple emergency cases, with pressure on the crossing linked to the intensity of Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Travelers expressed satisfaction with the services provided. Adnan Arab, a Lebanese national of Syrian origin, said this was his first time using the Jousieh crossing after others were closed, praising the speed of procedures. Hanif Mustafa Mamo, from Afrin and residing in Lebanon for about 17 years, also described the process as smooth and efficient.
On Saturday, the General Authority for Borders and Customs announced the temporary suspension of movement at the Jdeidet Yabous crossing after the Lebanese side closed the Masnaa crossing due to threats of Israeli strikes on the road leading to it.
M.Q.R
