Syrians in Lebanon return home after fall of al-Assad's government

Hundreds of Syrians, including refugees, have started leaving Lebanon for their homes after opposition forces took control of Damascus.

This is the second wave of return after around 400,000 people left during the Hezbollah-Israel conflict in Lebanon.

According to official figures, Lebanon hosts more than 2 million Syrian refugees, including nearly 300,000 who are not officially registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Many reasons had pushed Syrians, especially young men, to leave the country, including fear of opposing al-Assad's government, escaping from compulsory military service which had no time limit since the outbreak of the conflict in Syria, and the terrible economic situation.

"We miss (Syria) so much, we can't describe our joy. My children were born here, they don't know Syria, they didn't drink its water," said a returnee.

"I left Syria in 2016, and it feels good now that I'm returning to my country. In the end, no matter how long it took, it's still our country, I can't describe my joy," said another returnee.

"Indescribable joy, what can I tell you? I left Syria in 2014, I'm going back to Damascus, I miss it," said another returnee.

"I'm Rani Munther from As-Suwayda. Our happiness is great. I left Syria two years ago. Everyone is happy as you can see, and now we are back," said another returnee.

Lebanon's northern provinces have recorded a displacement movement from border villages inside Syria to the city of Hermel, opposite the Syrian town of Qusair.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese army has reportedly reinforced its presence to keep the newly displaced people in the area.

"We were in Syria at night, we were about to sleep when suddenly they told us to collect our things and leave our home, and we came to Lebanon, and Lebanon couldn't receive us. Honestly, the situation was very bad in Lebanon that time," said a Syrian refugee.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly resigned and arrived in Russia for asylum as his government collapsed on Sunday following a sweeping offensive by militant groups.

The groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), waged a major offensive from northern Syria since Nov. 27, and have since swept southwards through government-held areas, capturing the capital Damascus within 12 days.

The fall of al-Assad's government brought a surprise end to the nearly 14-year Syrian civil war, adding to uncertainties for both the war-torn nation and the broader Middle East.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called to distance Lebanon from the repercussions of the developments in Syria and tighten control over the border.

The General Security of Lebanon has closed land border crossings with Syria except for the Masnaa Border Crossing, limiting the entry of Syrians but easing procedures for refugees returning to Syria.

Syrians in Lebanon return home after fall of al-Assad's government

Syrians in Lebanon return home after fall of al-Assad's government

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests