Syria Foils Major Weapons Smuggling from Iraq to Hezbollah in Lebanon

The Syrian Interior Ministry announced on Thursday that Syrian security forces thwarted a large-scale weapons smuggling attempt at the border with Iraq. Authorities revealed that the seized arms shipment was intended for Hezbollah in Lebanon. The operation involved the interception of a truck loaded with 150 explosive drones, long-range missiles, and anti-tank missiles near the Iraqi border. The Interior Ministry stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend all individuals involved in the smuggling attempt.

Recent reports from Kan News highlighted Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's concerns about military intervention against Hezbollah, fearing it could be perceived as protecting Israel and damage Syria's standing in the Arab world. An informed source indicated that Syria is unlikely to engage militarily against Hezbollah in Lebanon without Israel meeting Syria's demands, primarily the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories captured in southern Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.

Additional related developments include Israeli military assessments that militants killed in Syria were deployed by Iran, and former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that if Israel cannot handle Hezbollah, Syria should take responsibility.