Syrian customs foil attempt to smuggle grenades into Lebanon
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- Explosives were hidden in a vehicle at the Jdeideh Yabous border crossing.
- The seizure follows another recent interception of a large weapons shipment at the Iraq-Syria border.
- Syrian officials linked the earlier shipment to Hezbollah, an allegation the group has denied.
The Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs announced on Tuesday that security officers successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle a major ammunition shipment across the border into Lebanon.
According to an official statement, customs personnel stationed at the Jdeideh Yabous border crossing intercepted a private vehicle bound for Lebanese territory.
A search uncovered 226 RGC-type grenades hidden within secret compartments constructed inside the vehicle.
Second arms interception in a week
Tuesday's operation marks the second major weapons bust by Syrian authorities in less than a week.
On July 15, Syrian security forces intercepted a large arms shipment crossing from Iraq at the Al-Tanf border post.
In that operation, the Syrian Ministry of Interior reported detecting a suspicious oil tanker carrying long-range missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Regional fallout and investigations
Following the July 15 seizure, Syrian authorities stated that preliminary evidence indicated the shipment was destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Hezbollah subsequently issued a statement denying involvement, while Iraqi authorities established an official investigative committee and summoned officials to examine the circumstances surrounding the smuggling attempt from its territory.
Syrian border security authorities emphasized that they will continue tightening inspections and security measures along all international land crossings to prevent illicit weapons trafficking.
