Channel 14 reported new details on the weapons smuggling foiled by Syrian forces, citing researchers who estimate the shipment contained at least 100 explosive drones, fiber optics, RPG warheads adapted for drones, advanced anti-tank missiles, and parts of Iranian Paveh cruise missiles. The report assessed that for every intercepted shipment, several go undetected, and that Hezbollah is accelerating its armament under the ceasefire while Israel refrains from strikes due to US pressure.
Channel 14 revealed tonight (20:58 Jerusalem) new details about the weapons shipment foiled by Syrian authorities on Thursday, citing researchers from the Alma Research Institute. The report estimates the haul included at least 100 explosive drones, hundreds of kilometers of fiber optics, RPG warheads adapted for drones, advanced anti-tank missiles, and disassembled parts of Iranian Paveh cruise missiles. This follows a day of evolving reports: Syrian state media first reported the interception at 11:13 Jerusalem, and The Zioneer confirmed the initial details at 20:52 Jerusalem citing SANA.
The sequence of reports began at 11:13 Jerusalem, when Syrian state media claimed the seizure of a shipment destined for Hezbollah. Subsequent reports from the Syrian Defense Ministry, security forces, and the Alma Research Center progressively added specifics: from vague claims of 'advanced weapons' to the identification of 150 explosive drones, then to Almas anti-tank missiles and fiber-optic FPV drones, and finally to the inclusion of a Paveh cruise missile. The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed the details at 11:13 Jerusalem, and the Alma Research Center provided photographic evidence. Channel 14's report now corroborates and expands on these details, citing the same researchers.
The development comes amid a broader diplomatic context. The Zioneer has reported on ongoing US pressures on Israel to refrain from strikes against Hezbollah, as part of the emerging US-Iran deal. President Trump has publicly suggested that Syria should handle Hezbollah, and has expressed disappointment that Israel has not moved the group from Lebanon. The ceasefire has allowed Hezbollah to accelerate its armament, according to the report.
The Channel 14 report assessed that the intercepted shipment represents only a fraction of the actual smuggling flow, and that Hezbollah continues to exploit the ceasefire to stockpile weapons. The report noted that Israel is refraining from strikes due to US pressure, even after the collapse of US-Iran talks. The accuracy of the numbers remains based on Channel 14's account and Alma researchers, and the full extent of the smuggling network is unclear.
15 developments
- DevelopingIDF captures Hezbollah drone factory and launch site hidden in south Lebanon mountain
- StrongAfter Syria thwarts Hezbollah weapons smuggling, Iran's Rezaei warns of direct strikes
- ConfirmedIDF intercepts Hezbollah drone near troops in southern Lebanon
- StrongIDF keeps dozens of Hezbollah operatives trapped underground in south Lebanon, prevents rescue attempts
Source and signal
- Internal intake