LBCI exclusive: Syrians use smuggling routes to leave Lebanon, authorities block illegal re-entry (Video)

LBCI's camera has captured footage of Syrian refugees crossing mountainous smuggling routes to return to Syria, bypassing official border crossings.

When an LBCI reporter attempted to ask the refugees why they were using the mountain routes, they declined to respond.

According to LBCI sources, the Lebanese Army Intelligence and the Land Border Regiment, in cooperation with security forces, are facilitating the departure of Syrians from Lebanon through these smuggling routes. 

However, the authorities are strictly enforcing measures to prevent any Syrians from entering Lebanon via these same unofficial paths.

The report suggests that many refugees opt for the smuggling routes because their original entry into Lebanon was illegal or they face fines from General Security. As a result, they avoid official checkpoints to escape potential one-year entry bans.