Brigadier General Chakir at Al-Aboudia Crossing: Ready for Opening

General Director of General Security Brigadier General Hassan Chakir visited the Al-Aboudia border checkpoint, which has been restored and equipped according to the highest standards, and officially opened it from the Lebanese side, announcing its readiness to receive cross-border movement between Lebanon and Syria.

He was welcomed upon arrival by the head of the Al-Aboudia General Security Center Captain August Abou Nour, along with center officers, non-commissioned officers, and personnel, while the mayor of Al-Aboudia, Muhammad Al-Masoomi, also attended and presented him with flower bouquets.

A formal military reception was held for Chakir, during which an honor guard was reviewed, before he began his tour of the various rooms and internal departments of the center, inspecting their contents, new equipment, and operational procedures.

He also inspected the detention facility affiliated with the center, emphasizing that "it must be a rehabilitation site, not merely a place of detention, in line with the new vision aimed at modernizing General Security centers."

Chakir affirmed that "Lebanese and Syrian citizens alike have the right to a proper checkpoint. We are currently equipping centers according to the highest standards, and we will do the same at the Al-Mansour crossing," noting that this is being carried out "under directives from the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, with oversight from the Minister of Interior and Municipalities."

He stated: "From this moment on, we are ready from the Lebanese side to receive cross-border traffic between Lebanon and Syria through the Al-Aboudia crossing."

Chakir noted that General Security "is keeping pace with developments and changes occurring in the region," highlighting that "work is ongoing to upgrade facilities, alongside upgrading equipment according to the highest international standards."

He added: "We have been ready for opening since now, and all personnel and officers have returned to their respective stations."

Responding to a question about the opening date and whether an agreement had been reached with the Syrian side regarding the route, Chakir said: "Our Syrian brothers informed us that the crossing will open on the ninth of the month."

On the issue of borders, Chakir praised the efforts made by the Lebanese Army to address illegal crossings, describing them as "a tremendous effort," and stressing "the importance of coordination among all relevant agencies to secure the borders."

Regarding cargo transport, Chakir mentioned that "during our visit to Iraq alongside the Prime Minister, we discussed the matter of cargo transport, similar to what is practiced via Banias," affirming: "We are ready for this, and there is a dedicated crossing for trucks and buses."

As for roads, he clarified that "based on the meeting held with the Prime Minister, attended by concerned officials, road rehabilitation and expansion work will proceed to accommodate truck traffic and ensure greater flow efficiency for cross-border movement."

During his tour, Brigadier General Chakir issued strict instructions to military personnel to ensure respectful treatment of citizens and travelers, especially the elderly, families, and children, stating: "We serve the state to serve the people, and our centers must be civilized and worthy of our citizens."