Arida Border Bridge Between Syria and Lebanon Collapses
Welat TV – Erbil
The Arida border bridge linking Syria and Lebanon has collapsed after a significant rise in the river’s water level, caused by heavy rainfall that swept the area over the past several hours, leading to a complete halt of cross-border traffic at the crossing.
Video footage circulating from the site on Friday, January 2, 2026, shows the bridge collapsing across the entire width of the roadway, making the passage of any vehicles impossible at present.
On Thursday, Lebanon’s General Security Directorate announced in a statement that the Arida border crossing had been temporarily closed due to the rising river level and extensive damage to the bridge, particularly on the Syrian side.
The statement confirmed that entry into and exit from Lebanon remain normal through the Masnaa and Qaa border crossings, which continue to operate without interruption.
Travelers were urged to use these crossings until damage assessments are completed and the necessary measures are taken to reopen the Arida crossing.
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