Peregraf — Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday that its security forces had foiled an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of advanced weapons across the Syrian-Iraqi border, alleging the cargo was intended for Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
In a statement, the ministry said specialized Interior Ministry units intercepted the shipment before it entered Syrian territory.
According to the ministry, the operation began after security forces monitored a vehicle parked under suspicious circumstances in the border area. A subsequent search uncovered a cache of advanced weapons, including long-range missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and drones.
The ministry said preliminary investigations indicated the shipment had been prepared to transit through Syria en route to Lebanon “for the benefit of the terrorist Hezbollah militia.”
It added that investigations remain ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the case, identify those involved, and dismantle the networks linked to the alleged smuggling operation.
“The Ministry of Interior emphasizes that border protection and safeguarding national sovereignty represent an uncompromising priority,” the statement said.
It added that Syrian authorities “will not allow Syrian territory to be used as a transit point or a launching pad for weapons smuggling, or for conducting any activities that threaten the security of the Syrian Arab Republic or neighboring countries.”
The ministry did not specify where the weapons originated or identify those responsible for attempting to transport the shipment. The allegations regarding Hezbollah’s intended receipt of the weapons have not been independently verified.