Beirut, October 11, 2025 — In a significant development aimed at strengthening ties between Syria and Lebanon, the Syrian government announced on Friday that it had reached an agreement with Lebanese authorities to facilitate the transfer of Syrian prisoners held in Lebanon, excluding those convicted of murder. The announcement came during a high-level visit to Beirut by a Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, marking a pivotal moment in the two nations’ efforts to address longstanding issues, including the contentious matter of Syrian detainees.
Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, director of the Arab Affairs Department at the Syrian Foreign Ministry, provided details of the agreement in an interview with Syria’s state-run Al-Ikhbariyah TV. “We have reached an agreement to hand over Syrian prisoners, except those whose crimes involved shedding innocent blood,” al-Ahmad stated, emphasizing that the transfer excludes individuals convicted of murder or other severe crimes. He underscored that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa places significant importance on resolving the issue of Syrian detainees in Lebanon, describing it as a priority for the new Syrian administration.
The agreement is seen as a step toward mending strained relations between Damascus and Beirut, which have been complicated by years of political, social, and security challenges, particularly since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. Al-Ahmad noted that Lebanon’s response to the proposal was “very positive,” expressing optimism that the agreement could “turn a new page in relations” between the two neighboring countries. The discussions, he added, were the culmination of multiple rounds of talks, including three meetings where the issue of Syrian detainees was raised, alongside direct communications with Lebanese officials.
Background of Syrian Detainees in Lebanon
The issue of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon has been a point of contention for years, with an estimated 2,000 Syrians currently detained in Lebanese prisons. Many of these individuals were arrested during or after the Syrian revolution (2011–2024), accused of supporting opposition factions that sought to overthrow the regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Others face charges related to providing humanitarian or logistical aid to opposition groups, allegations that Syrian officials, including al-Ahmad, have described as “fabricated” in many cases.
The Syrian civil war, which raged for over a decade, had profound effects on Lebanon, a country that shares a porous border with Syria and hosts a significant Syrian refugee population. During the conflict, Lebanon’s government, under pressure from its own domestic political divisions, cracked down on Syrians suspected of ties to opposition groups, leading to widespread arrests. Human rights organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about the conditions in Lebanese prisons and the fairness of trials for Syrian detainees, many of whom have been held without formal charges or due process.
The agreement to transfer prisoners is a notable shift in Lebanon’s approach to the issue, reflecting a willingness to cooperate with Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who assumed power following the ousting of al-Assad. The transfer process, while not fully detailed in public statements, is expected to involve coordination between Syrian and Lebanese authorities to ensure compliance with legal and humanitarian standards.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
Foreign Minister al-Shaibani’s visit to Beirut was a key moment in the diplomatic exchanges between the two countries. Leading a high-level delegation, al-Shaibani met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Foreign Minister Youssef Raji to discuss a range of bilateral issues, with the prisoner transfer agreement emerging as a centerpiece of the talks. The visit underscores the new Syrian government’s efforts to rebuild relationships with its neighbors and address unresolved issues from the al-Assad era.
The groundwork for this agreement was laid earlier in the year when Prime Minister Salam traveled to Damascus in April 2025, marking the first visit by a Lebanese official since President al-Sharaa took office. During that meeting, the two leaders discussed several issues of mutual concern, including the situation of Syrian detainees, border security, and the repatriation of Syrian refugees. The April talks set the stage for Friday’s announcement, signaling a gradual warming of ties between the two nations.
Implications for Syria-Lebanon Relations
The prisoner transfer agreement carries significant implications for Syria-Lebanon relations, which have been strained by years of conflict and political mistrust. Lebanon’s delicate sectarian balance and its proximity to Syria have made it particularly vulnerable to spillover effects from the Syrian war, including security threats, economic challenges, and the burden of hosting over a million Syrian refugees. The agreement reflects a mutual interest in addressing one of the war’s lingering consequences and could pave the way for further cooperation on issues such as refugee repatriation and cross-border trade.
For Syria, the deal aligns with President al-Sharaa’s broader agenda of national reconciliation and regional reintegration. Since taking office, al-Sharaa has sought to distance his administration from the policies of the al-Assad regime, emphasizing dialogue with neighboring countries and addressing the grievances of Syrians both at home and abroad. The focus on securing the release or transfer of Syrian detainees in Lebanon is a concrete step toward fulfilling these commitments.
In Lebanon, the agreement may help alleviate some of the domestic pressures related to its prison system and the broader Syrian refugee crisis. Lebanese authorities have faced criticism for their handling of Syrian detainees, with reports of overcrowding and inadequate legal representation. By transferring prisoners to Syria, Lebanon could reduce the strain on its correctional facilities while demonstrating goodwill toward its neighbor.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the agreement is a positive development, its implementation will likely face logistical and political challenges. The process of identifying eligible prisoners, verifying their charges, and ensuring their safe transfer will require close coordination between Syrian and Lebanese authorities. Additionally, questions remain about how Syria will handle the returning detainees, particularly in terms of their legal status and reintegration into society. Human rights groups are likely to monitor the process closely to ensure that transferred prisoners are treated fairly and not subjected to further persecution.
Moreover, the exclusion of prisoners convicted of murder raises questions about the fate of those who remain in Lebanese custody. The Syrian government’s assertion that many charges against detainees are “fabricated” could complicate negotiations over individuals accused of more serious crimes, as Lebanon may demand clear evidence or legal assurances before agreeing to further transfers.
The broader context of Syria-Lebanon relations also presents challenges. Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis and political instability could limit its capacity to engage in sustained diplomatic efforts, while Syria’s post-war reconstruction needs may strain its resources. Nonetheless, the prisoner transfer agreement represents a tangible achievement that could build momentum for addressing other bilateral issues.
Regional and International Reactions
The announcement has drawn attention from regional and international observers, who see it as a sign of Syria’s gradual reentry into the regional diplomatic fold. Neighboring countries, including Jordan and Turkey, which also host significant Syrian populations, may view the agreement as a model for addressing their own challenges with Syrian detainees and refugees. International organizations, such as the United Nations, are likely to welcome the deal as a step toward resolving humanitarian issues tied to the Syrian conflict.
However, some analysts caution that the agreement’s success will depend on its implementation and the broader trajectory of Syria’s political transition. The international community, particularly Western nations, remains wary of engaging with the new Syrian government until it demonstrates a commitment to inclusive governance and human rights.
Conclusion
The agreement between Syria and Lebanon to transfer Syrian prisoners marks a significant milestone in their efforts to rebuild ties and address the legacy of the Syrian civil war. By prioritizing the issue of detainees, both countries are taking steps toward resolving a humanitarian and political issue that has long strained their relationship. As the two nations move forward with implementing the agreement, the international community will be watching closely, hopeful that this development signals a broader commitment to stability and cooperation in the region.
