Lebanon's security forces arrest 17 Syrians over illegal entry

BEIRUT, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's state security forces arrested on Tuesday 17 Syrian nationals for their illegal entry to Lebanon, an online independent newspaper reported.

The Syrian nationals, who were arrested in Sowayri, Bekaa, were referred to judicial bodies for investigations and other legal procedures, according to Elnashra.

The Lebanese security forces have been trying to crack down on smuggling in areas close to the border with Syria.

The government has also placed additional restrictions on the entry of Syrian refugees into the country without guarantors, work visas or visas for transit.

Such measures led to a rise in the number of Syrian refugees attempting to enter Lebanon illegally.