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.
Iraq launches investigation
In response, Iraq's Joint Operations Command said Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief Ali Falih Al-zaidi had ordered the formation of a high-level committee comprising relevant agencies and specialists to investigate the incident.
The command said Iraqi authorities would coordinate with their Syrian counterparts to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling operation and hold any negligent parties accountable, with the aim of safeguarding security and stability along the two countries' shared border and preventing attempts to undermine national security.
On July 6, Iraq and Syria held their first border security meeting to discuss mechanisms for enhancing field coordination, exchanging intelligence and strengthening control along their shared frontier.
The two countries are connected by three main border crossings: Rabiah-al-Yaarubiyah, al-Qaim-Albu Kamal and al-Waleed-al-Tanf. The crossings have reopened in phases since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, paving the way for closer economic cooperation between Baghdad and Damascus.
Syria's new authorities have continued efforts to tighten security and extend state control as part of broader plans to stabilise the country and begin reconstruction following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 after 24 years in power.
