Hezbollah Denies Ties to Group Arrested in Syria for Alleged Attack Plot

Hezbollah on Wednesday categorically denied any connection to a group arrested by Syrian authorities near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Syrian state media reported the arrest of a three-person cell, claiming they were affiliated with Hezbollah and were planning "to carry out operations" to destabilize the region. The internal security forces stated that intelligence services, in cooperation with their units, thwarted a "sabotage plan in the Yarmouk Basin area of Daraa" and apprehended the cell after "precise monitoring of the cell's attempt to prepare rocket launch platforms with the aim of launching attacks to undermine security and stability."

In a statement, Hezbollah's media relations office "categorically denied any relationship or connection of Hezbollah to the alleged cell," reiterating that "it has no presence in Syrian territory, nor is it involved in any security or military activity there." The group urged Syrian authorities to "be vigilant" against "attempts aimed at dragging Hezbollah's name" to incite tension and discord between Lebanon and Syria, suggesting that "the real beneficiary of escalating tension between the two countries is the Israeli enemy, which is escalating its attacks on Syria and Lebanon."

The Yarmouk Basin area in western Daraa is known to be occasionally entered by Israeli forces. This incident follows previous announcements by Syrian authorities of arrests of groups they claimed were linked to Hezbollah in Syria, and the seizure of weapons shipments destined for the group. Hezbollah has consistently denied any presence or activity within Syrian territory.

Earlier in August, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated there was no objection to holding a "public meeting" with the new Syrian leadership. This came after Syrian President Ahmad Shar'a indicated in June that he was open to sitting down with Hezbollah if it served Lebanon's interests and secured Syrian interests.