Syrian Authorities Dismantle Hezbollah-Linked Cell Planning Assassinations In Damascus, Aleppo, Homs

Syrian authorities said they dismantled a Hezbollah-linked cell allegedly planning assassinations targeting senior government figures, after coordinated security operations across multiple provinces. The Interior Ministry said specialized units, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Service, carried out simultaneous operations in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Tartus and Latakia, and described the outcome as a “preemptive and decisive strike” against “a terrorist plot.” Anadolu Ajansı reported that preliminary investigations indicated the group was preparing a “sabotage agenda,” including systematic assassinations targeting high-level government figures. TRT World similarly said the raids uncovered an organized and trained network that had infiltrated Syria after receiving training in Lebanon and was in an “advanced stage of readiness” to execute a sabotage campaign.

“Syrian authorities say they have arrested a Hezbollah-linked cell accused of plotting to assassinate senior government figures, an allegation rejected as “false” by the Lebanese armed group”

Al Jazeera

Hezbollah rejected the allegations, with TRT World reporting that the group “swiftly denied the allegations” and called them “baseless,” insisting it has no operational presence in Syria. In a separate account, the Jerusalem Post said Hezbollah put out a statement denying the “false accusations” and asserted it had no presence on Syrian territory, while also alleging the repetition of the claims “raises major questions.” The Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba told Syria’s al-Ikhbariya television that investigations began after authorities learned of a plot to target an internal security unit in Aleppo with an explosive device, and that the group entered Syria from Lebanon using forged documents. The Jerusalem Post added that the cell was allegedly led by Mohammad Mahmoud Abdul Hamid, known as Abu Yaarub, who previously worked with the Assad regime’s military intelligence branch in Aleppo and was later recruited by Hezbollah.

The announcements came as Syria’s new authorities continue efforts to tighten security and extend state control as part of broader plans to stabilize the country and begin reconstruction following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 after 24 years in power. Anadolu Ajansı said Assad fled to Russia and that a transitional administration headed by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa took office in January 2025, framing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to protect national security and public safety. The Interior Ministry said authorities seized a cache of military equipment in the possession of the cell, including explosive devices prepared for detonation, RPG launchers with rounds, automatic rifles, hand grenades and assorted ammunition, along with surveillance and technical support equipment. Long War Journal added that Syrian forces arrested 11 militants allegedly linked with Lebanese Hezbollah and seized a large arsenal of weapons including small arms and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers and warheads, and said the ministry published mugshots of the 11 suspects on its official X account.