BEIRUT — As security conditions deteriorate in Lebanon amid ongoing military operations, a growing number of Syrian refugees are returning to their homeland after years of displacement. Families who fled the conflict in Syria now face mounting challenges in Lebanon, prompting them to embark on journeys back to Syria.

In southern Lebanon’s Marj al-Khoukh camp near Marjayoun, preparations for departure are evident. Once home to over 1,400 Syrian refugees, the area now sees approximately 85 percent of its families having returned to Syria in recent months, either through voluntary return programs or on their own accord. Abandoned tents and household items mark the exodus, with other informal settlements, such as the Marjayoun Plain camp, increasingly empty.

Among those leaving is 48-year-old Abu Mohammad Jihad al-Omari and his family. Having fled war in Syria years ago, al-Omari never anticipated experiencing renewed conflict-related fears in Lebanon. “When we fled Syria, we were escaping war. I never imagined I would experience similar circumstances again,” he said while packing their belongings.

The push for return has been intensified by escalating violence and insecurity in Lebanon. Between March and June 2026, 130 Syrian refugees were reportedly killed and 153 injured within Lebanese borders. For many, including 60-year-old Khawla Murad, the decision to leave was driven by fear. “When children started waking up at midnight to terrifying sounds of airstrikes, that’s when we realized it was time to go back,” she explained.

According to Lisa Abou Khaled, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), approximately 630,000 registered Syrian refugees have returned from Lebanon to Syria between January 2025 and April 2026. She noted that return decisions are influenced by multiple factors, including the availability of housing, education, basic services, and livelihood opportunities in Syria. Nevertheless, worsening conditions in Lebanon have accelerated the timeline for many families seeking to depart.

Lebanese authorities estimate that around 1.5 million displaced Syrians reside in Lebanon, many living in over 1,400 informal settlements scattered across the country. Their presence places substantial pressure on Lebanon’s social infrastructure, economy, and public services.

As these families undertake the complex and often perilous journey back to Syria, humanitarian agencies continue to emphasize the importance of ensuring safe and voluntary returns aligned with international standards. The evolving situation underscores the broader regional challenges related to displacement, security, and stability.