Syrian authorities say security forces dismantled a Hezbollah-linked terrorist cell and thwarted an alleged assassination plot targeting senior government officials during coordinated raids across several governorates.
In statements carried by Syrian state-affiliated and local media outlets, the Interior Ministry said specialized security units worked alongside the General Intelligence Service to conduct simultaneous operations in Damascus countryside, Aleppo, Homs, Tartus and Latakia.
Officials described the operation as a “preemptive and decisive blow” against what they called a large-scale terrorist plot aimed at undermining national security. According to the ministry, investigators determined that members of the cell had entered Syria after receiving training in Lebanon.
Authorities alleged the group planned a series of terror attacks that included systematic assassinations of high-ranking government figures. A security source cited by Syria TV said the campaign resulted in the arrest of all members of the cell and the seizure of weapons and equipment allegedly intended for future attacks.
Weapons Cache and Surveillance Gear Seized
The Interior Ministry said security forces confiscated explosive devices prepared for detonation, RPG launchers, automatic rifles, hand grenades and ammunition during the raids. Officials also reported the seizure of surveillance equipment, including cameras and binoculars, which the ministry said indicated the group had reached “advanced stages of readiness.”
Authorities said they detained several suspects, including a figure allegedly responsible for overseeing assassination planning and field targeting operations. The ministry added that security forces would continue efforts to “protect the security of the nation and safeguard the safety of citizens” while confronting threats to public stability.
Video footage reviewed by Daraa 24 showed internal security patrols operating in the Yarmouk Camp area of Damascus, where authorities said they were pursuing suspects accused of involvement in terrorist activities.
Earlier Incidents Heightened Security Concerns
The announcement follows previous operations by Syrian authorities against alleged Hezbollah-linked cells. On April 19 thwarted a plot involving plans to launch missiles from Syria another country or countries.
Earlier this month, Syrian officials also announced the prevention of an assassination attempt targeting Rabbi Michael Khoury near the Mariamite Church in the Bab Touma district of Damascus. Investigators caught a woman accused of attempting to plant an explosive device near the rabbi’s residence before security units dismantled the device without injuries or damage.
Hezbollah Rejects Allegations
The Lebanon-based group Hezbollah denied the accusations in a statement, calling the claims “false accusations” and rejecting allegations that they maintain operational activity inside Syria. The orginization said repeated accusations by Syrian authorities “raise serious questions” and claimed there were efforts to create tension between the Syrian and Lebanese peoples.
Despite years spent fighting alongside Iran and Assad during Syria’s revolution, the group claimed “Hezbollah wants all the best for Syria and its people,” adding that any threat to Syria’s security also threatens Lebanon’s security. Hezbollah further stated that it “has never worked to destabilize the security of any country or target the stability of its people.”
These raids mark the third Hezbollah-linked plot disrupted in Syrian so far this year. Regardless of statements to the contrary the Syrian government remains concerned about the potential threats posed to Syrian and regional security by the Iran-backed militia.
