DUBAI: Syrian security forces arrested three individuals suspected of belonging to a Hezbollah-linked cell accused of plotting rocket attacks in the southern province of Daraa, according to state media. Authorities described the operation as a preemptive strike that thwarted a sabotage attempt.
The General Intelligence Directorate, in coordination with Internal Security Forces, detained the suspects in the Yarmouk Basin after monitoring their efforts to assemble rocket launchers, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported. The detainees were identified only by their initials in a Telegram post by the Internal Security Forces.
Officials confirmed the rocket launchers had been fully dismantled and said investigations remain ongoing. The suspects are expected to be referred to the judiciary, though authorities did not disclose the intended targets.
Syrian authorities have previously announced the dismantling of multiple Hezbollah-connected terror cells. The group has denied the allegations.
On July 16, Syria’s Interior Ministry said security forces intercepted a large weapons shipment near the Iraqi border, including long-range missiles, guided anti-tank missiles, and drones believed to be en route to Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Aug. 8, another cache of weapons and ammunition was seized in Tartous by Internal Security Forces working with the General Intelligence Directorate.
In recent weeks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have repeatedly warned Iran and Hezbollah of retaliation. Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran beginning Feb. 28, Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in March, triggering airstrikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. The latest conflict, along with earlier hostilities in 2023 and 2024, has weakened the group.
Since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024, Syria’s new authorities have vowed not to allow the country’s territory to be used as a transit route for weapons smuggling or other activities threatening Syria or neighboring states.
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