Lebanon dismantles militant smuggling and training network

Lebanese security and judicial authorities have dismantled a clandestine network involved in smuggling fighters and weapons between Syria and Lebanon. The operation, conducted by the Internal Security Forces' Information Branch, resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including two Lebanese nationals and three Syrians.

Among those detained is a former Syrian colonel, identified as Manaf Ali Safi. Investigations reveal the network operated by illegally transporting fighters from the Syrian coast across the northern border into Lebanon. These recruits were reportedly moved to the southern suburbs of Beirut before being transferred to a closed military training camp in the Baalbek-Hermel region for advanced combat training.

During the raids, authorities seized a significant arsenal, including automatic machine guns, sniper rifles, hand grenades, and various explosives. Security sources suggest the sophistication of the weaponry indicates the group may have been preparing for targeted assassinations or sabotage operations within Lebanon. The investigation, overseen by Public Prosecutor Ahmed Rami Al-Haj, is ongoing to identify all financiers and affiliates linked to the group, which reportedly maintains ties to Hezbollah and remnants of the Syrian regime.