Beirut: Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, on Sunday intensified his contacts with relevant authorities to keep pace with developments affecting truck movement and logistical procedures, particularly in light of threats targeting the Masnaa border crossing, which prompted the swift adoption of precautionary measures to ensure the safety of transit operations.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Minister conducted a series of coordinated communications with Minister of Finance, Yassine Jaber, engaging all concerned entities. Directives were issued to Director General of Land and Maritime Transport, Dr. Ahmad Tamer, Chairman of the Higher Customs Council Brig. Gen. Misbah Khalil, and Director General of Customs, Gracia Qazzi, to facilitate procedures and work toward clearing the stretch between Lebanon's Masnaa crossing and Syria's Jdeidet Yabous crossing of stranded trucks.

A statement issued by Rasamny's press office indicated that the Customs Administration, in full coordination with the General Directorate of General Security and other relevant agencies, immediately and effectively carried out the required measures. Loaded trucks stranded between the two borders were allowed entry into customs yards, while empty Lebanese trucks were permitted direct entry into Lebanese territory. These efforts led to the entry of all trucks with drivers on board, estimated at nearly 200, into designated customs areas, easing congestion and restoring order at the crossing.

However, several trucks without accompanying drivers remain stranded, posing a logistical challenge that authorities are urgently addressing in coordination with the Syrian side. Syrian authorities, for their part, showed reciprocal cooperation, as direct communication resulted in approval for trucks stranded near Syrian territory to return to Syrian customs yards.

Rasamny stressed that the Masnaa crossing remains under full supervision of the competent Lebanese security agencies, which are carrying out their duties with strict discipline. All trucks undergo inspection, verification, and scanner-based screening. The Minister further affirmed that claims of potential smuggling operations, particularly of weapons, through the crossing are unfounded and lack any factual basis, given the stringent security measures and ongoing coordination between the Lebanese and Syrian sides.

The Minister concluded by thanking Minister Jaber, the Higher Customs Council, the Customs Administration and its personnel, the General Directorate of General Security, and the Directorate General of Land and Maritime Transport for their efforts, praising the swift response and high level of coordination that helped contain the situation and ensure the safety of drivers, goods, and both Lebanese and foreign trucks under sensitive circumstances.