Syrian Authorities Intercept Advanced Weapons Shipment to Hezbollah Hidden in Oil Tanker

Syrian state news agency SANA reported that Syrian authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle advanced weapons and missiles from Iraq, allegedly destined for the terrorist group Hezbollah. The shipment, which included rockets and drones, was concealed inside an oil tanker traveling through the Al-Tanf border crossing between Iraq and Syria. The cargo was discovered during a routine inspection by customs officers at the crossing, with the tanker en route to the Syrian city of Baniyas.

The Al-Tanf crossing has become a key corridor for fuel transfers from Iraq to Syria. Recently, Iraq announced plans to expand its oil exports through Syria, including crude oil, as part of a government strategy to diversify export routes beyond the Gulf.

This incident comes amid ongoing discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Bashar al-Golani regarding the fight against Hezbollah, which is active in Lebanon and hostile to Israel. Trump mentioned in June that he spoke with al-Golani about combating Hezbollah. The current Syrian leadership, composed of former rebels, has historically opposed Hezbollah during the Syrian civil war, despite Hezbollah's previous support for former President Bashar al-Assad.

Additionally, Lebanon's President Michel Aoun received assurances from al-Golani that Syria would not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs. Concurrently, the U.S. Central Command released footage documenting recent strikes against Iran, highlighting the broader regional tensions involving these actors.