ALBAWABA- Syrian authorities announced they had foiled an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of weapons allegedly destined for Hezbollah across the Syrian-Iraqi border, prompting Iraq to launch an investigation into the incident.
The Syrian Interior Ministry said the weapons were concealed inside an oil tanker intercepted by security forces on July 7. According to the ministry, the driver was arrested and confessed during questioning that employees at the Al-Waleed border crossing had collaborated to facilitate the shipment. Syrian authorities did not immediately disclose the type or quantity of weapons seized.
An Iraqi official told Al Jazeera that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an immediate investigation after Syria publicly announced the operation. The inquiry is expected to examine the alleged involvement of personnel at the Al-Waleed crossing, one of the main border points between Iraq and Syria.
The seizure comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed efforts to disrupt weapons supply routes to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group that remains at the center of security tensions with Israel. It also coincides with ongoing indirect Lebanon-Israel talks aimed at reinforcing a fragile ceasefire and addressing unresolved border issues.
The announcement follows recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he was considering giving Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa the "green light" to confront Hezbollah and suggested that Israel should consider withdrawing from parts of southern Lebanon and southern Syria.
The comments have fueled speculation about a possible shift in U.S. policy toward greater support for Syrian efforts to curb Hezbollah's influence as part of broader efforts to reduce Iran's regional reach.
The incident also comes shortly after Prime Minister al-Zaidi visited Washington, where he met with President Trump to discuss security cooperation, regional stability, and efforts to curb the influence of armed groups operating in Iraq.
The alleged involvement of officials at a major border crossing is likely to increase pressure on Baghdad to strengthen border security and prevent the movement of weapons to non-state armed groups.
