Syrian authorities have said they dismantled a Hezbollah-linked cell allegedly preparing assassinations against senior government figures, following coordinated security operations across multiple provinces.
The Syrian interior ministry said on Tuesday specialised units, working with intelligence services, carried out simultaneous raids in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Tartus, and Latakia, uncovering what it described as an organised and trained network.
Officials said the group had infiltrated Syria after receiving training in Lebanon and was in an “advanced stage of readiness” to execute a sabotage campaign, including targeted killings of high-level figures.
Authorities described the operation as a “preemptive and decisive strike” to protect national security.
Weapons seized as Hezbollah rejects claims
Security forces said they seized a cache of weapons, including explosive devices, RPG launchers, automatic rifles, grenades, and surveillance equipment, indicating detailed operational planning.
However, Hezbollah swiftly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and insisting it has no operational presence in Syria.
The group warned that such claims risk inflaming tensions between Syria and Lebanon, adding that it does not seek to destabilise any country.
The security operation comes as Syria’s new authorities continue 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.
Assad fled to Russia, marking the end of the Ba'ath Party’s rule since 1963. A transitional administration headed by President Ahmed Al Sharaa took office in January 2025.
