Syrian authorities foiled an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of advanced weapons across the country’s border with Iraq that was destined for the Lebanese group Hezbollah, the country’s interior ministry has said.
The ministry said on Thursday that specialised units intercepted the shipment before it entered Syrian territory after detecting a suspicious vehicle parked near the border.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a cache of weapons, including long-range missiles, anti-tank guided missiles and drones, it said.
Preliminary investigations, based on evidence collected during the operation, indicated that the shipment was intended to transit Syrian territory en route to Lebanon for Hezbollah, according to the ministry.
The ministry said investigations were continuing to determine the full circumstances of the case, identify all those involved and uncover the networks behind the smuggling operation.
It said protecting Syria’s borders and safeguarding national sovereignty remained a top priority, adding that authorities would not allow Syrian territory to be used as a corridor or launching point for arms smuggling or any activities threatening Syria’s security or that of neighbouring countries.
Hezbollah did not immediately comment on the Syrian statement.
