Lebanon closes border with Syria indefinitely

Lebanese security officials closed the border with Syria on Monday for repairs, after it was damaged by villagers and displaced Syrians fleeing the turmoil in their country. The border in the northern village of al-Arideh has witnessed a number of cross-border attacks during the conflict. On Sunday, one person was killed after Syrian soldiers followed the man into Lebanon and fired bullets as he attempted to escape. The General Directorate of Public Security said in a statement it had closed the border until further notice, "due to damage caused by residents throwing rocks which had damaged its computer system." The authority said people attempting to enter or leave Lebanon should use another route, until it has repaired the crossing.