Story perspectives

Lebanon and Syria to Repatriate 300 Inmates Amid Tensions

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Lebanese and Syrian governments agreed to repatriate about 300 Syrian inmates from Lebanese prisons over three months to improve relations.
Lebanon currently holds about 2,400 Syrian prisoners, of whom 750 are convicted.
Syria views many inmates as political detainees, while Lebanon says those accused of attacks against its army should not be released.
The agreement was signed by key Lebanese ministers and does not address the backlog in Lebanon's judicial system or the status of Lebanese prisoners in Syria.

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Story summary

The Lebanese and Syrian governments agreed to repatriate about 300 Syrian inmates from Lebanese prisons over three months to improve relations.
Lebanon currently holds about 2,400 Syrian prisoners, of whom 750 are convicted.
Syria views many inmates as political detainees, while Lebanon says those accused of attacks against its army should not be released.
The agreement was signed by key Lebanese ministers and does not address the backlog in Lebanon's judicial system or the status of Lebanese prisoners in Syria.