Syria’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of what it described as a Hezbollah-affiliated cell in the western Damascus countryside, seizing rockets, launchers and anti-tank missiles. Officials said the group had received training in Lebanon and was preparing operations inside Syria. The arrests underscore Damascus’ push to clamp down on illicit cross-border networks and reassert state authority.

Details of the Raid

According to Brig. Gen. Ahmed al-Dalati, commander of internal security in rural Damascus, the operation was carried out jointly with the General Intelligence Directorate after weeks of surveillance. He said “missile launchers, 19 Grad rockets, anti-tank missiles and various types of ammunition” were confiscated. Authorities confirmed the suspects are under investigation, with files referred to judicial authorities for prosecution.

Border Tensions and Smuggling Crackdown

The arrests come amid a broader Syrian campaign to close smuggling routes along the Lebanon border, many of which have historically been used by Hezbollah and Iran to channel weapons and supplies. Analysts note that Damascus has sought to demonstrate control since the fall of the Baath regime in late 2024 by targeting drug and arms trafficking networks. Smuggling clashes earlier this year left several Hezbollah fighters dead, heightening frictions with local communities.

Lebanon and Syria signed new cooperation agreements in March 2025 aimed at tightening judicial and security coordination. However, enforcement remains uneven, with rugged border terrain enabling continued weapons flow.

Hezbollah’s Role and Strategic Pressure

Hezbollah has been a key backer of Syrian authorities throughout the civil war, deploying fighters and expertise that proved decisive for Assad’s survival. Yet, the group now faces constraints:

• Loss of key supply corridors due to regional counter-smuggling drives.
• Rising Israeli strikes inside Syria that target Hezbollah positions and convoys.
• Growing tension with Damascus as Syria seeks to reduce reliance on foreign armed actors.

Experts suggest the arrests may indicate Syria’s intent to curb Hezbollah’s operational footprint, particularly as it navigates fragile diplomacy with Lebanon and faces continuing Israeli pressure.