Sourced reports from Al Arabiya and Al Hadath indicate that Anbar Province police have arrested the prime suspect involved in the weapon smuggling case from Iraq to Syria, specifically in the Sufiya region.
The sources clarified that the tanker driver loaded with weapons, named Saleh Mohammed Saleh, apprehended by Syrian authorities, had been recruited by armed militias in exchange for financial rewards.
Iraqi security forces have also detained additional suspects alleged to be connected with the weapon smuggling operation to Syria. Furthermore, Al Arabiya and Al Hadath sources confirmed the arrest of a second suspect in weapons smuggling to Syria identified as Hadi Salah.
The suspects have been referred to the relevant authorities.
Previously, on Thursday, Syrian authorities announced the thwarting of a large-scale attempt to smuggle 'specialized weapons,' including long-range missiles, across the Iraq border, reportedly destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Since assuming power late in 2024, the new Syrian authorities have repeatedly claimed the arrest of cells allegedly linked to Hezbollah and the interception of weapons destined for them. This marks the first occasion mentioning a disruption of weapon smuggling to the party via the Iraq border.
The Ministry of Interior stated that its units “foiled an attempt to smuggle a large load of specialized weapons on the Syrian-Iraqi border, seized before entry” into Syrian territory.
The operation followed “monitoring a suspiciously stationary vehicle within the border zone, prompting an inspection,” resulting in the confiscation of a load including “long-range missiles, targeted anti-armor missiles, and drones.”
Initial investigations, according to the Ministry of Interior, reveal that “the load was prepared to transit through Syrian lands towards Lebanon” benefiting Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Iraqi authorities announced “the formation of a high-level committee from relevant agencies and experts to fully uncover the details of this matter.”
They stated coordination efforts with the Syrian side to ascertain all details of the operation and ensure accountability to safeguard the security and stability of the shared border, preventing any attempts to destabilize national security.
According to the Syrian General Administration of Borders and Customs, the load was intercepted inside a tanker designated for oil transport at the Al-Tanf border crossing with Iraq, headed to the city of Banyas.