A convoy of Syrian refugees departs from Arsal, eastern Lebanon, on July 11, 2024. Around 350 Syrian refugees returned voluntarily on Thursday from eastern Lebanon to Al-Qusayr, a city in western Syria, Lebanon's National News Agency reported. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)
BEIRUT, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Around 350 Syrian refugees returned voluntarily on Thursday from eastern Lebanon to Al-Qusayr, a city in western Syria, Lebanon's National News Agency reported.
Coordinated between Lebanese authorities and relevant Syrian counterparts, the voluntary return trips for displaced Syrians resumed on May 14 after a two-year hiatus, with about 214 individuals returning from Arsal in eastern Lebanon that day.
Lebanese authorities have on many occasions urged the international community to assist Lebanon in returning Syrian refugees to their home country as the presence of approximately 2 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon places a significant burden on its infrastructure.
In early May, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati vowed that any Syrian residing in Lebanon illegally would be deported. ■
