In a major shift in regional dynamics, Syrian security forces have arrested Hezbollah-affiliated individuals involved in weapons smuggling in the Qutayfah region near Damascus, signaling growing tensions between the new Syrian administration and the Iranian regime’s influence in the country.
According to Al Hadath TV on Wednesday, February 19, the Syrian government has warned against further weapons smuggling through its borders and has declared it will no longer allow the clerical regime in Iran to use Syria as a transit corridor for its militias and military supplies. This announcement follows the capture of Hezbollah-linked operatives smuggling arms into Lebanon.
Security measures against Iranian and Hezbollah-affiliated networks have intensified across Syria and Lebanon in recent weeks. Lebanese security forces have tightened surveillance at Beirut’s airport, specifically on flights arriving from Iran, in response to growing concerns over Hezbollah’s finances.
#Iran News: Iranian Arms Smuggling to #Hezbollah Disrupted Amid Growing Tensions in Syriahttps://t.co/TI6ivQvm3O
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 27, 2025
This latest crackdown follows a series of recent operations against smuggling networks:
- Three weeks ago, Syrian authorities intercepted a shipment of weapons destined for Hezbollah in the Sarghaya region of Damascus.
- On January 17, the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced the successful seizure of missile shipments attempting to cross into Lebanon.
- Authorities in Tartus also reported the disruption of a major smuggling attempt, with intelligence agencies tracking illicit arms transfers to Hezbollah.
According to Syria’s new political leadership, Damascus will no longer serve as a conduit for Iranian arms and military support for Hezbollah and other Iran-backed militias in the region. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad and his exile to Moscow, Syria has sought to reassert sovereignty over its borders and distance itself from Tehran’s influence.
Over the past several weeks, the Syrian-Lebanese border has seen multiple clashes between Lebanese smugglers and Syrian forces, particularly in the 330-kilometer porous border region that has long been exploited for illicit trade, including arms, drugs, and human trafficking.
#Iranian State Media Spins Whistleblowing Scandal to Distract from #IRGC’s Collapse in Syriahttps://t.co/G58RC3fFS6
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 12, 2025
These developments mark a growing crisis for Hezbollah, as both financial and logistical constraints tighten around the group. The increased scrutiny by Syrian and Lebanese authorities comes at a time when Hezbollah faces mounting pressure from Israel, Western sanctions, and a deteriorating economic situation in Lebanon.
The Iranian regime has recently faced significant setbacks in its regional operations. In Lebanon, authorities have intensified scrutiny over flights from Iran, following reports that the IRGC Quds Force has been smuggling funds to Hezbollah via Beirut’s international airport. This increased vigilance has disrupted Tehran’s financial support channels to its Lebanese ally.
Meanwhile, Jordanian forces have successfully thwarted multiple drug smuggling attempts linked to Iran-backed militias. These operations, often originating from Syria, have been intercepted at the Jordanian border, highlighting Amman’s commitment to combating illicit activities that threaten its national security.
As Syria distances itself from the regime’s influence and Hezbollah’s smuggling routes face severe disruptions, the geopolitical landscape in the region continues to shift, raising questions about Tehran’s ability to maintain its hold over its proxy networks.