UNHCR Syria: Flash Update - Middle East Situation (27 March 2026)

Situation overview

Escalating hostilities in the region in late February triggered an increase in cross-border movements from Lebanon into Syria. Between 2 and 27 March, over 202,477 individuals crossed into Syria through the three official border crossings, according to Syrian authorities. This includes 175,134 Syrians — 48,888 of whom indicated an intention to return permanently — and 27,343 Lebanese nationals. Arrivals reflect a complex mix of profiles: Syrians who had already decided to return to Syria or had been considering returning for some time, as well as those fleeing the recent airstrikes and the deterioration of the security situation in Lebanon. Movements have been concentrated through the Masnaa-Jdeidet Yabous (47%) and Al Qaa-Joussieh (38%) border crossing points, both now operating 24 hours-a-day and are facilitating vehicle and cargo transit. The Arida border crossing point, which re-opened on 7 March, remains limited to pedestrian access due to a collapsed bridge and closes at 20:00.

Early March saw a peak in new arrivals from Lebanon, mainly Syrians returning from the southern suburbs of Beirut and southern Lebanon. While most movements involved families, some women and children returned ahead of husbands who planned to follow later. Roughly half of the individuals interviewed at the border reportedly intended to remain permanently despite limited access to housing, livelihoods, and services, while the others intend to stay in Syria temporarily. The vast majority planned on staying with extended family members or rented accommodation. Smaller numbers of Lebanese nationals and Syrian Palestinians also crossed, often as part of mixed nationality families.

In the lead up to Eid, patterns shifted, with increased arrivals of Syrian men—some visiting family for the holiday, others reuniting with relatives who had already returned. Intentions remained mixed between staying permanently and returning to Lebanon for work.

In general, those planning to stay in Syria cited the increased hostilities as the main trigger for departure, although a significant number had already been considering return beforehand. Across profiles, immediate needs are consistently food, shelter, healthcare, livelihoods, and civil documentation.

Syrians were returning to all parts of Syria, with the main intended destination governorates being Aleppo, ArRaqqa, Rural Damascus, Idleb, Deir-ez-Zor, Dar’a, and Homs. UNHCR, through its country-wide network of Community Centres, outreach volunteers and partner organisations, has been engaging and responding to returnee households in need, primarily in Ar-Raqqa, Al-Hassakeh, Deir-ez-Zor, Dar’a, Aleppo and Tartous.

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