As the collapse of the Syrian regime unfolded, Lebanon has emerged as a refuge for fleeing Syrian officials, sparking international and regional scrutiny. Asharq al-Awsat newspaper cited knowledgeable sources as saying that numerous Syrian political, security, and military leaders have sought shelter in Lebanon. Their escape routes were limited due to the impossibility of leaving Syria by air or sea and the loss of territories near the Jordanian border to opposition forces days before Damascus fell to “Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.”

A Lebanese security source denied direct evidence of Syrian officials residing in Lebanon but acknowledged the likelihood of their arrival through illegal crossings.

“This does not exclude the possibility that some fled into Lebanon and are now hiding in specific locations, potentially under the protection of Lebanese factions loyal to the Assad regime,” the source said.

Lebanese security agencies have recently arrested several officers and soldiers from the toppled Syrian regime. Twenty-one individuals affiliated with the infamous Fourth Division, once led by Maher al-Assad, were detained after clandestinely entering Lebanon with their weapons via illegal crossings in the Bekaa Valley and Mount Hermon regions.

Public Prosecutor Judge Jamal Al-Hajjar supervised the interrogation of the detainees and later ordered their transfer to General Security for case reviews and deportation procedures. Among those arrested were six officers—two colonels, a lieutenant colonel, a major, a captain, and a lieutenant—alongside non-commissioned officers and soldiers.

While three of the detainees expressed a willingness to return to Syria to resolve their legal status, the rest declined, citing fears for their safety. Notably, one officer was found carrying $110,000 in cash, while another had $68,000. The remaining detainees possessed smaller sums.

Moreover, the Lebanese Army arrested retired Syrian Army Major General Hikmat F. M. at a checkpoint in Madfoun, which separates North Lebanon from Mount Lebanon. The general had entered Lebanon illegally and was found in possession of over $100,000 in cash and two kilograms of gold. Investigations revealed that he had previously served as the commander of the Daraa Division in the Syrian Army.

Additionally, several officers and personnel from Syrian intelligence agencies were detained in the Akkar region of northern Lebanon. However, after questioning, the Lebanese military judiciary ordered their release, citing the lack of security charges against them within Lebanon.