Syria seizes advanced weapons it says were bound for Lebanon’s Hezbollah
Syrian authorities intercepted a weapons shipment containing missiles, rockets, and drones at the Iraq-Syria border, claiming it was destined for Lebanon's Hezbollah. The shipment was discovered during routine inspection at the al-Tanf crossing concealed in an oil tanker truck. Hezbollah denied involvement, and Iraq announced it would investigate the incident.
Syrian customs authorities announced the seizure of a weapons shipment at the al-Tanf border crossing with Iraq on Thursday. The contraband, hidden inside an oil tanker truck bound for the Syrian city of Baniyas, contained long-range missiles, rockets, and drones discovered during standard inspection procedures. According to Syria's state news agency, preliminary investigations suggested the arms were intended to transit Syrian territory before reaching Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Iran-backed Lebanese group rejected the allegations, characterizing them as baseless accusations designed to damage its reputation. Syrian authorities have adopted a hostile stance toward Hezbollah following the 2024 ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad, under whose regime the group maintained closer ties. In response to the seizure, Iraq's military Joint Operations Command announced plans to establish a high-level investigative committee to examine the circumstances, coordinate with Syrian counterparts, identify responsible parties, and enhance border security measures. The Baniyas route has become increasingly active in recent months for fuel transfers between Iraq and Syria, as alternative shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz have faced disruptions. Analysts note the seizure reflects broader regional realignment following Assad's fall, as Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa has moved to restrict smuggling operations that previously operated with relative ease under the former regime.
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