Syrian authorities intercepted a shipment of advanced weapons and missiles en route from Iraq to Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to the state news agency SANA. An Interior Ministry source said preliminary investigations indicate the cargo was destined for the Lebanese terror group.
Syrian state media reported Thursday evening that authorities had foiled a smuggling attempt of advanced weapons and missiles from Iraq to Hezbollah, according to the state news agency SANA. An Interior Ministry source said the cargo was destined for the Lebanese terror group. The announcement, at 20:51 Jerusalem, comes after a day of multiple reports on the same incident.
The story first emerged at 11:13 Thursday, when Syrian authorities announced a series of seizures: the Defense Ministry said it intercepted a shipment from Iraq to Hezbollah via eastern Lebanon; later reports specified 150 explosive drones, long-range missiles, and anti-tank missiles. The Interior Ministry later confirmed the seizure included a Paveh cruise missile and Almas anti-tank missiles. The Zioneer reported at 18:56 that Syrian forces had seized a fuel tanker carrying a Hezbollah-bound shipment. However, at 17:35, The Zioneer published an analysis suggesting that the earlier announcement might be a repackaged report of a seizure that actually occurred on July 7, accusing the regime of publishing it now to appear cooperative with the US.
The new SANA report does not provide specific quantities or types beyond "advanced weapons and missiles," and does not specify when or where the interdiction occurred. The report has not been independently corroborated. The announcements come amid a broader Syrian effort to disrupt arms flows to Hezbollah, including the interior ministry's declaration of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization at 19:20, as The Zioneer reported. Iran's Revolutionary Guards advisor Mohsen Rezaei warned of direct strikes if Syria acts against Hezbollah, as reported at 19:15.
It remains unclear whether this latest SANA report refers to the same seizure described earlier in the day or to a separate operation. The lack of independent verification and the history of repackaged announcements leave the accuracy of the claims open to question.
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