Lebanese security forces erected barricades Monday, blocking nine illegal crossings into neighbouring Syria, a Lebanese security source said.

Lebanese troops and police patrols managed to close nine illegal overland crossings along the northern borders with Syria, the source said.

The source said the operation was aimed at controlling the illegal crossings, where a lot of smuggling enters and leaves Lebanon.

The source did not elaborate, but said the operation would continue for several days to make sure all crossings were 'well controlled.'