Israeli security analyst Nitzan Shapira reported that a large weapons smuggling convoy was intercepted in Syria, containing 150 explosive drones, long-range missiles, and anti-tank missiles destined for Hezbollah. The report comes amid Israeli assessments that Hezbollah is exploiting the ceasefire to accelerate arms smuggling via Iraq and Syria.
Analyst Nitzan Shapira reported this evening that a weapons smuggling operation destined for Hezbollah was foiled in Syria, with 150 explosive drones, long-range missiles, and anti-tank missiles seized. The report comes after a day of escalating details on the same interception.
Earlier this morning, Syrian authorities announced the seizure of a fuel tanker concealing advanced weapons from Iraq, including 150 explosive drones and missiles. By midday, the Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed a Paveh anti-ship cruise missile among the haul. The Israeli Alma Research Center later identified at least 100 drones, fiber-optic components, and RPG warheads. This evening, Channel 14 reported, citing researchers, that the shipment contained at least 100 explosive drones, cruise missile parts, and advanced anti-tank missiles, estimating that several shipments go undetected for each one intercepted.
The new report from Shapira quotes a higher number of 150 explosive drones and adds long-range missiles, which may reflect a different source or a separate interception. The discrepancy has not been resolved.
The Zioneer has previously reported on Hezbollah's efforts to rearm under the ceasefire. On July 5, Israeli security officials warned that the group is exploiting the truce to locate weapons and reinforce southern Lebanon. On June 27, the IDF confirmed it was preventing rescue attempts for dozens of Hezbollah operatives trapped underground.
The reports remain unconfirmed by the IDF or Syrian authorities. The exact number of drones and missiles seized, and whether this represents a single operation or multiple interceptions, is still unclear.
16 developments
- DevelopingSyria and Iraq intercept Hezbollah-bound weapons cache near border
- DevelopingLebanese Army foils smuggling of 122mm Grad rockets from Syria into Lebanon
- StrongIsrael says it struck Hezbollah weapons-loading truck in southern Lebanon overnight
- DevelopingIDF captures Hezbollah drone factory and launch site hidden in south Lebanon mountain
Source and signal
- Open-source intake