# Lebanese security operations against criminal networks > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lebanese-security-operations-against-criminal-networks > Updated: 2026-09-03T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Lebanese security forces have conducted several operations to dismantle criminal and militant networks within the country. In late August, the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Information Branch dismantled two criminal rings in the Mount Lebanon governorate. The first operation targeted a burglary gang involving Syrian nationals who used forced entry to target homes and businesses. A second operation dismantled a kidnapping and prostitution facilitation ring in Mansourie, where suspects reportedly extorted ransoms from employers. By early September, authorities shifted focus to a clandestine smuggling and training network. The ISF arrested five individuals, including a former Syrian colonel, for illegally transporting fighters from the Syrian coast into Lebanon. These recruits were reportedly moved to a training camp in the Baalbek-Hermel region. During these raids, security forces seized an arsenal of automatic machine guns, sniper rifles, and explosives, with investigations ongoing to determine the group’s ties to Hezbollah and the Syrian regime. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Lebanon dismantles militant smuggling and training network Lebanese authorities dismantled a smuggling network involving Hezbollah and former Syrian regime elements, arresting five people and seizing advanced weaponry used for transporting and training fighters. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lebanon-dismantles-militant-smuggling-and-training-network ### 2026-08-24: Lebanese security forces dismantle burglary and kidnapping rings Lebanese security forces have dismantled two criminal rings in Mount Lebanon involved in burglaries and a kidnapping-for-ransom extortion scheme targeting sex workers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lebanese-security-forces-dismantle-burglary-and-kidnapping-rings --- Cite as: Lebanese security operations against criminal networks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lebanese-security-operations-against-criminal-networks