Syrian authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle advanced weapons and missiles across the border from Iraq. A Syrian Interior Ministry official stated that preliminary investigations indicate the shipment, which included rockets, was intended for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.
The seizure comes as Syria's new leadership, which replaced former President Bashar Assad in 2024, increases efforts to stop the smuggling of illicit drugs and weapons along its borders. These routes with Iraq and Lebanon have historically served as strategic supply lines for Hezbollah and other groups backed by Iran.
Iraq’s Joint Operations command has formed a committee to investigate the incident and coordinate with officials in Damascus. Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi recently met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, as Trump continues to press Baghdad to disarm Tehran-backed militias.
President Donald Trump has insisted that Syria take military action against Hezbollah. However, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has been attempting to prevent his country from being drawn into a wider regional conflict. Hezbollah has not commented on the allegations.