Syria says thwarted attempt to smuggle weapons from Iraq destined for Hezbollah

BEIRUT — Syrian authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle a shipment of "sophisticated weapons and missiles" across the Syrian-Iraqi border destined for Hezbollah, a source at the Syrian Interior Ministry told Syria's state-run news agency SANA.

The Syrian authorities are hostile to Hezbollah, which was an ally of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Damascus has repeatedly announced the seizure of weapons intended for the Iran-backed group near the Lebanese border, but this is the first time it has mentioned the Iraqi border.

In a statement accompanied by photos, Syria’s Interior Ministry said its units had “foiled an attempt to clandestinely introduce a huge shipment of sophisticated weapons through the Syrian-Iraqi border.” It said they searched a suspicious vehicle parked in the border area and “seized a shipment including long-range missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and drones.”

“Initial investigations established that the shipment was intended to transit through Syria for the benefit of the terrorist Hezbollah militia,” the ministry added.

According to Syria’s border and customs authority, the weapons were found in a tanker truck at the Al-Tanf border crossing. The truck was headed for the Syrian coastal city of Baniyas.

Later Thursday, Hezbollah denied the Syrian allegations, saying it had no presence or activity in Syria. “The party has repeatedly and categorically denied these accusations, affirming that they are completely false and baseless,” a statement issued by Hezbollah’s media relations office said. The group also said the “accusations aim to harm Hezbollah and serve the American-Zionist project in the region.”

Iraqi authorities, for their part, said they would form an investigative committee and “coordinate” with Syria on the matter. They added that they would “hold accountable those responsible for any negligence, in order to ensure the safety and security of the shared border and prevent any attempt to undermine national security.”

The Syrian authorities’ announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pressures Syria to intervene in Lebanon against Hezbollah.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has nevertheless said he refuses to intervene militarily in the neighboring country against the Iran-backed group, weakened by the new war it has waged against Israel since March in support of Iran. Since an Islamist coalition took power in Syria in 2024, authorities have said they dismantled cells linked to the Iran-backed group that were preparing attacks in Syria, but Hezbollah has consistently denied the claims.