A high-level Lebanese security delegation will travel to Syria on Wednesday to address shared security concerns amid rising tensions along the Lebanese-Syrian border, sources familiar with the matter confirmed.

The delegation, according to the Central News Agency, will include Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa, General Security Chief Major General Hassan Choukeir, and Lebanese Army Intelligence Chief Brigadier General Tony Kahwaji.

The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening security cooperation between Beirut and Damascus, with a particular emphasis on curbing smuggling, tightening control over illegal border crossings, and easing rising border tensions.

The visit follows an agreement reached earlier this month between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the Arab summit in Cairo. The agreement aimed to address border-related issues. However, before formal steps could be taken, clashes erupted in the border town of Hosh al-Sayyid Ali, threatening to escalate. The situation was brought under control after Lebanese authorities intervened, and the defense ministers of both countries reached a mutual understanding.

Political sources, as reported by the Central News Agency, indicate that the recent border unrest has expedited diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Syria. These sources note that the border issue is complex and will require a comprehensive approach to address its various aspects.

The first priority will be addressing the urgent situation in the Hermel area. The initial agreement between the defense ministers will be reinforced, and both sides are expected to agree on handling future border incidents through official channels, ensuring swift communication between the two countries.

Another key focus of the talks will be the permanent closure of illegal border crossings. The Lebanese Army has already started efforts to shut down these routes and is committed to continuing the operation, with the Syrian side expected to take reciprocal measures. Smuggling across the border has long undermined the economic interests of both countries, with some groups exploiting lax oversight for strategic and financial gain. The recent clashes, according to sources, are a direct result of these entrenched smuggling networks.

The third, and perhaps most complex, issue on the agenda is the final demarcation of the Lebanese-Syrian border. Clear delineation would enhance security and stability along the border, potentially paving the way for resolving longstanding territorial disputes. This process could eventually encompass the contested Shebaa Farms area, with Lebanese officials seeking Syrian cooperation to confirm Lebanon’s sovereignty over the territory, laying the groundwork for its eventual liberation.