Syria says it foiled attempt to smuggle advanced arms to Hezbollah from Iraq

Key Points:

• Syrian authorities intercepted a large shipment of advanced weapons, including long-range missiles and drones, smuggled from Iraq intended for Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Syria’s Interior Ministry.
• The seized arms cache featured fiber optic-guided FPV drones, commonly used by Hezbollah in attacks on Israeli forces, and investigations are ongoing to dismantle the smuggling network.
• Israel and the US continue close defense cooperation, with Israeli Defense Minister Katz and US Defense Secretary Hegseth discussing military activities in Iran, Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions.
• Despite US efforts to broker security agreements involving Israel, Syria, and Lebanon, progress remains slow, with Israel delaying troop withdrawals from southern Lebanon pilot zones aimed at reducing Hezbollah’s influence.
• The new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa has assured non-intervention in Lebanon and Israel, focusing on reconstruction and stability, while Israel seeks to maintain security along its borders amid concerns over Hezbollah’s Iranian-backed arms supply.