Syrian officials have claimed that Lebanon’s Hezbollah is behind recent attacks on security forces and plays a role in cross-border smuggling activities. According to state media reports, Lt. Col. Moayed Al-Salama stated that Syrian forces recently confronted smuggling groups along the Lebanese border, many of which are allegedly linked to Hezbollah. He also clarified that these operations remained within Syrian territory and did not extend into Lebanon.
Crackdown on Smuggling Networks
After the removal of former Syrian leader Bashar Assad by opposition forces in December, the new administration in Damascus launched efforts to combat smuggling along the Lebanese-Syrian border.
This region is known for Hezbollah’s strong influence, and Al-Salama emphasized that the majority of smuggling operations in the area are connected to the group. He further stated that these networks are engaged in trafficking drugs and weapons, posing a significant security threat.
Hezbollah’s Alleged Role in Regional Instability
Al-Salama noted that Hezbollah’s shelling had reached Syrian military units, yet Syrian forces avoided retaliating within Lebanese borders. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army confirmed responding to gunfire originating from the Syrian side but did not specify who was responsible.
Al-Salama accused the previous Syrian regime of enabling drug smuggling operations in collaboration with Hezbollah, leading to the establishment of armed smuggling groups along the border.
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Operations Targeting Smugglers and Drug Labs
Recent military efforts have concentrated on eliminating smuggling networks operating in Syrian border villages. During these operations, Syrian forces uncovered drug production facilities, counterfeit money operations, and caches of weapons intended for smuggling. Authorities seized large quantities of “hash” or hashish and captagon pills, highlighting the scale of illicit activities in the region.
A Final Note: Challenges in Securing the Border
The Lebanese-Syrian border, which stretches approximately 330 kilometers, remains largely undefined in several areas, making it vulnerable to smuggling. With the shift in Syria’s political landscape, Hezbollah’s access to key supply routes has been disrupted.
Syrian authorities are now intensifying their efforts to regain control over the border and limit the influence of smuggling networks.
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