The Army Command – Directorate of Guidance issued the following statement: "On 12/8/2023, a patrol from the Directorate of Intelligence, assisted by a unit from the army, arrested 130 Syrians and 4 citizens in the town of Sheikh Zennad – Akkar for attempting to illegally cross the sea towards a European country. The mastermind of the operation, a citizen identified as (S.S.), was also arrested. An investigation has commenced with the detained individuals under the oversight of the relevant judiciary."