Security Operations of the New Syrian Government to Close Hezbollah's Smuggling Routes

In recent weeks, Syria has witnessed security operations by border guard forces affiliated with the new Damascus government, specifically the 103rd Brigade, in several towns and villages bordering Lebanon, aimed at "combating arms and drug trafficking gangs"; operations that are still ongoing. Border clashes peaked after two Syrian border guards were reportedly kidnapped on February 6 by individuals identified as "arms and drug traffickers," according to the Syrian official news agency (SANA). The day after, SANA reported that Syrian security forces succeeded in freeing these two guards during an operation against smuggling and in clashes with several wanted individuals in villages bordering Lebanon. Findings from Radio Farda indicate that the main objective of this extensive security operation is to "close strategic routes and passages that Hezbollah uses to smuggle weapons from Syria to Lebanon." Hezbollah, which is supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union only considers its military wing to be terrorist. The political wing of Hezbollah has representatives in the Lebanese parliament. About 12 years ago, Hezbollah decided to support Bashar al-Assad's government against its opponents and effectively took control of the borders between Syria and Lebanon. After focusing its military efforts in Syria, the group managed to seize control of the strategic city of Qusair and the surrounding towns and villages. Following these events, Qusair and its surrounding areas became a "backyard" for Hezbollah. Qusair is located in the western outskirts of Homs province, encompassing over 80 towns and villages. The residents of the city and its surroundings belong to various sects, including Shia, Sunni, Alawite, and Christian. One of these towns, Hawik, has recently made headlines in Syria after Syrian security forces entered it and clashed with armed individuals affiliated with local tribes. The new Syrian security management claims that these tribes are "factors in arms and drug trafficking." In several towns in this region, including Hawik, Hosh al-Sayed Ali, Jousiyeh al-Kharab, Zita, Matrebah, and Blouza, families with Syrian or Lebanese citizenship have lived for decades. For several decades, there has also been territorial dispute between Syria and Lebanon over ownership of some of these areas, such that some lands in these towns are registered in both the Syrian and Lebanese property administrations. Control of the Lebanon-Syria border in these areas has not been stable over the past few decades, facilitating smuggling operations. This trend also allowed Hezbollah to establish popular support in these areas, especially among tribes. In the 33-day war in 2006 with Israel, this characteristic enabled Hezbollah to move and transport weapons easily; an issue that played a vital role in the group's support for the Assad regime following the onset of protests in 2011 that led to the country's civil war. The borders between Syria and Lebanon during Assad's regime had become "common areas" that Hezbollah used for smuggling weapons, ammunition, and Captagon pills; a process resulting from a policy executed "under the radar." This policy relied on two tools: first, illegal crossings, and second, active gangs and tribes residing in the region. Hezbollah utilized these two tools for smuggling and establishing the foundations of a parallel economy linked to itself. Local media reports indicate that the Zita area, part of Qusair, contains arms and ammunition depots belonging to Hezbollah and four tunnels measuring three to three and a half kilometers long, starting from this area and extending to the village of al-Qasr located in Lebanese territory. The ongoing security and military changes in the border areas between Syria and Lebanon following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government on December 9 are considered "historical" for two reasons. First, it is the first time in over four decades that anti-Hezbollah forces have taken control of the border areas between Syria and Lebanon, especially in the Qusair section. Second, the current security operations could completely eliminate Hezbollah's influence in terms of aid and smuggling of goods and weapons, which took years to establish. Forces affiliated with the Damascus government are using various weapons in the ongoing operations along the border with Lebanon. Images published in media and social networks show that these forces are utilizing armored vehicles, tanks, and heavy weaponry in these operations. On the other side of the border, the Lebanese army announced that it would respond to gunfire from Syrian territory. However, the Lebanese army has not yet provided an explanation regarding its position on the ongoing security operations in the border areas of Syria and Hezbollah's presence there. In recent weeks, Israel has bombed several border areas between Syria and Lebanon multiple times. Israeli officials stated that the aim of these attacks was to eliminate Hezbollah's weapons depots and smuggling routes. Nevertheless, it seems that Hezbollah will not easily abandon its areas of influence and the highways for smuggling weapons and drugs, especially since tribes and families linked to this group reside in the Lebanese areas bordering Syria; regions that are considered Hezbollah's bases. However, what is clear is that Hezbollah's ability to achieve its goals and continue its activities in Syria and along the border has become significantly more difficult.