Syrian security forces have uncovered an attempt to smuggle landmines into Lebanon. Four people were detained, one was killed in a raid near the city of al-Jubba.
The Syrian security forces discovered a group of people who were trying to smuggle hundreds of landmines to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, the AFP agency reported, writes TASR.
The raid by the security forces took place in the vicinity of the city of al-Jubba, near the capital Damascus. Four people were detained during the operation. The fifth lost her life in a clash with the police. Seized during it were 1,250 mines equipped with detonators, which were “intended to be smuggled for (pro-Iranian militant movement) Hezbollah” in Lebanon.
Assad’s support for Hezbollah
During the reign of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad, Syria was a key element of Iran’s so-called axis of resistance against Israel, while allowing the transfer of weapons and money from Iran intended for Hezbollah.
The militant group played a key role during the Syrian civil war, fighting alongside Assad’s forces and helping to keep that ruler in power as he suppressed a popular uprising.
The new government rejects Iran
The new government in Damascus, dominated by Islamist rebels who ousted Assad in December 2024, rejects Iran and is trying to stop arms supplies to Hezbollah.
During more than a year of firefights with Israel, which escalated into a war that ended in November 2024 with a cease-fire, Israel dealt Hezbollah a severe blow when many of its influential commanders were killed.
Allegations of trying to restore power
However, Israel accuses Hezbollah of trying to restore its military capabilities. That is also why, despite the ceasefire, Israel in Lebanon continues to attack locations associated with Hezbollah.
