Syria thwarts major weapons smuggling attempt into Lebanon PHOTO

Syrian internal security forces have thwarted an attempt to smuggle weapons into Lebanon, an official at the Interior Ministry confirmed.

Speaking to the state news agency SANA, the official said the operation was carried out by the Internal Security Directorate in al-Qusayr, Homs province, in coordination with its counterpart in al-Nabk in the Damascus countryside. The operation followed precise intelligence indicating suspicious activity involving a vehicle departing from the village of Jraijir.

According to the official, security forces intercepted a Chevrolet vehicle loaded with a significant cache of weapons, including nine Konkurs guided missiles, 68 rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) charges, two 107-millimeter rockets, and five boxes of BKS ammunition.

The source added that security units subsequently raided the gang’s hideout in Jraijir village, where the weapons had been stored. During the raid, officers also discovered Russian-made magazines and a daytime optical scope.

“This operation comes as part of the Interior Ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling, secure Syria’s borders, and maintain national security and stability,” the official said.

The Interior Ministry noted that this was not an isolated incident. In December, Syrian security forces intercepted another weapons-smuggling attempt involving a large quantity of RPG shells concealed in an organized manner. That shipment was reportedly intended to be smuggled from the Zabadani region in the Damascus countryside into Lebanese territory.

Reaffirming its commitment to border security, the Interior Ministry stressed that dismantling smuggling networks remains a national priority. It added that security operations will continue to prevent activities that threaten citizens’ safety and undermine regional stability.

By Vafa Guliyeva