# Lebanon and Syria crack down on terror plots and regime-era-

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lebanon-investigation-into-hezbollah-linked-security-network
> Updated: 2026-09-17T23:43:39.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Lebanese authorities have launched investigations into a security network linked to Hezbollah and remnants of the former Syrian regime. Initial proceedings began with the arrest of five individuals, leading Prosecutor General Ahmed Rami Al-Hajj to refer the detainees to a military court. Digital forensics on seized mobile devices indicated the network was larger than initially suspected, prompting searches for an individual known as ‘Al-Hajj Ala,’ who allegedly managed and trained the group.

The investigation escalated as the military court charged 14 individuals, including a Hezbollah member and a former Syrian intelligence officer, with plotting terrorist attacks against the Syrian coast. The group is accused of forming a criminal gang and receiving training in the use of explosives, sniper rifles, and drones to undermine the stability of Syria’s new government. 

One detainee, former officer Manaf Ali Safi, reportedly admitted to smuggling over 40 remnants of the former Syrian regime through illegal crossings in northern Lebanon. Judicial officials allege the network was overseen by a Hezbollah official in hiding and led by a former Syrian army major general currently residing in Moscow. The accused individuals have denied the allegations.

In parallel developments, Syrian security forces, coordinated with the Counter Terrorism Directorate, arrested five former air force officers, including a major general. These individuals are accused of planning and executing intensive airstrikes on populated civilian areas during the previous administration, utilizing airbases and command centers to cause mass displacement and casualties.

## Claims

- Syrian security forces arrested five former air force officers for their roles in airstrikes against civilians during the Bashar al-Assad era. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The arrested officers used airbases and command centers to conduct intensive airstrikes on populated areas, causing destruction and casualties. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- A Lebanese military court charged 14 people, including a Hezbollah member and a former Syrian intelligence officer, with planning attacks in Syria. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The alleged network smuggled over 40 former Assad regime members from the Syrian coast into Lebanon via illegal crossings. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A Hezbollah official, identified as Yasser Alaa al-Din (Hajj Alaa), allegedly oversaw the smuggling and training of the network in eastern Lebanon. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The operations were allegedly managed by Major General Mohammad Jaber, a former Assad army commander currently located in Moscow. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Syria and Lebanon crack down on former Assad-era officers and terror plots

Syrian forces arrested five former air force officers for civilian airstrikes, while Lebanese courts charged 14 people, including Hezbollah members, for plotting attacks in Syria.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lebanon-charges-14-in-alleged-plot-to-attack-syria

### 2026-09-12: Lebanon expands investigation into Hezbollah-linked security network

Lebanese authorities are expanding investigations into a security network linked to Hezbollah and Syrian regime remnants after the arrest of five individuals and the identification of new suspects.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lebanon-expands-investigation-into-hezbollah-linked-security-network

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Cite as: Lebanon and Syria crack down on terror plots and regime-era-. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lebanon-investigation-into-hezbollah-linked-security-network