Damascus: Syrian authorities successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of advanced weapons across the nation's border with Iraq. The shipment was reportedly intended for the Lebanese group Hezbollah, as announced by the Syrian Interior Ministry. Specialized units intercepted the shipment after detecting a suspicious vehicle near the border, uncovering a cache of weapons that included long-range missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and drones.

According to Anadolu Agency, preliminary investigations revealed that the shipment was meant to pass through Syrian territory en route to Lebanon for Hezbollah. The ministry emphasized that investigations are ongoing to fully understand the case, identify all involved parties, and dismantle the networks responsible for the smuggling attempt. The protection of Syria's borders and preservation of national sovereignty remain top priorities, with authorities committed to preventing any use of Syrian territory for arms smuggling or activities threatening national and regional security.

Hezbollah, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless. The group's media relations office labeled the claims as fabricated narratives aimed at damaging Hezbollah's reputation and serving external interests in the region.

In response to the incident, Iraq's Joint Operations Command announced that Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief Ali Falih Alzaidy ordered the formation of a high-level committee to investigate. Iraqi authorities are set to coordinate with Syrian counterparts to fully uncover the circumstances of the smuggling attempt and hold any negligent parties accountable. This move aims to safeguard security and stability along the shared border and prevent threats to national security.

The incident follows a July 6 border security meeting between Iraq and Syria, which discussed enhancing field coordination, intelligence exchange, and strengthening border control. The two countries, connected by three main border crossings, have been working towards closer economic cooperation since the reopening of crossings in phases after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Syria's new authorities continue efforts to tighten security and extend state control as part of broader plans to stabilize the country and begin reconstruction following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 after 24 years in power.