Lebanese Army Foils Major Arms Smuggling Attempt from Syria
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
The Lebanese army announced the seizure of approximately 200 kilograms of C4 explosives smuggled from Syria, the third such bust in October. These incidents highlight ongoing arms smuggling attempts to Hezbollah across the Syrian border, despite political shifts and disarmament efforts. In total, nearly a ton of explosives has been confiscated this month, alongside other weaponry. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledged a thorough investigation and vowed no leniency against illegal arms.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Lebanese army seized 200 kg of C4 explosives smuggled from Syria.
- This is the third major explosives seizure in October, totaling nearly a ton.
- Smugglers escaped back into Syria after the latest bust.
- The incidents highlight ongoing arms smuggling to Hezbollah.
- Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam promised a full investigation and prosecution.
The Lebanese army announced on Monday that it had thwarted another attempt to smuggle explosives from Syria into Lebanon, seizing approximately 200 kilograms of C4. This marks the third such seizure in October, highlighting ongoing efforts to transport weapons across the Syrian border despite political changes in Damascus and attempts to disarm Hezbollah. According to the army's statement, soldiers operating in the Hermel region of northeastern Lebanon discovered the explosives packed in sacks, ready for transfer from Syrian territory. The smugglers managed to escape back into Syria.
A Lebanese judicial source told AFP that the explosives were transported via a mule across an illegal border crossing in the town of Al-Qusayr. This recent bust is not an isolated incident. Just days prior, Lebanese security forces arrested two suspected Hezbollah members at a checkpoint while they were en route to Beirut. They were found with a truck carrying half a ton of explosives, including 250 kilograms of TNT and 250 kilograms of C4, near the road connecting Syria to the Lebanese capital.
Earlier in October, the Lebanese army reported another smuggling attempt where approximately 245 kilograms of TNT, four explosive devices, eight detonators, and electrical wiring were seized. In that instance as well, the smugglers fled back to Syria. In total, the three reported seizures this month have resulted in the confiscation of nearly a ton of explosives, in addition to other devices and activation equipment.
These recurring events underscore the challenges faced by Lebanese and Syrian authorities in controlling arms movement along their roughly 330-kilometer shared border. Syria has historically served as a key supply route for Iran to arm Hezbollah, a role it played under the Bashar al-Assad regime. While the regime's fall has impacted this route, it has not halted smuggling attempts, with new Syrian authorities regularly reporting seizures of weapons destined for Lebanon.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the recent truck seizure, vowing that his government would thoroughly investigate and prosecute all involved parties. He emphasized a resolute stance against illegal weapons possession, transfer, or use, acknowledging public concern stemming from the use of C4 in past political assassinations in Lebanon, often linked to Hezbollah's history of involvement in such acts.
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