Masnaa, Lebanon - December 11, 2024 More Syrian refugees are crossing from Lebanon to return home following the toppling of the government of former president Bashar al-Assad by opposition forces. The refugees, many of whom have spent years in exile, thronged the Masnaa border crossing on the Lebanon-Syria border on Wednesday, with many sharing their stories of displacement and separation with journalists at the scene. Those leaving Lebanon only need a stamp from the Lebanese General Security to cross into Syria, with Syrian border posts standing unmanned. However, severe congestion at the Lebanese General Security Center slowed Syrians from entering Lebanon. According to testimonies from Syrians entering Lebanon, Lebanese border guards were tightening restrictions for those entering Lebanon while facilitating departures from Lebanon. Shotlist: Masnaa Border Crossing, Lebanon - Dec 11, 2024: 1. Refugees; sign reading" Departure to Syria"; stone painted with Lebanese national flag; 2. Various of refugees loading luggage on car; refugees waiting at Masnaa Border Crossing, cars; 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Syrian refugee (name not given) (partially overlaid with shot 4): "I was displaced 12 years ago, here in Lebanon. I never went to Syria, I was deprived of my civil rights, I did not carry a weapon and I was not a member of any party. I was arrested in 2011 at the Political Security Branch. I haven't seen my children for 12 years. I want to see them and visit Dignity Square in Sweden."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Various of cars at Masnaa Border Crossing; refugees; sign reading" Departure to Syria"; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 5. Various of refugees waiting at Masnaa Border Crossing, cars; 6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Syrian refugee (name not given) (partially overlaid with shot 7): "About two years ago, I left Syria and went to Türkiye. I was a soldier and served for nine months, then defected and left. I went first to Idlib and from there to Türkiye. We are called refugees who have been humiliated."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 7. Cars at Masnaa Border Crossing; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 8. Refugees waiting at Masnaa Border Crossing, cars; 9. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Syrian refugee (name not given) (ending with shot 10): "My feelings are indescribable, and I hope every Syrian will see their families soon. I want to see my parents whom I haven't seen for 14 years. I don't know my nephews. I'm going to go there, and I won't recognize them. Because they were displaced to Idlib."; 10. Various of cars at Masnaa Border Crossing, refugees. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]