The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced a joint security operation with the Ministry of Defense in western Rural Damascus, saying it targeted efforts to curb arms smuggling and consolidate state control over weapons.
In a statement published on its official Facebook page on Monday, September 15, the ministry said the operation resulted in the seizure of “large quantities” of weapons, including light and heavy arms and various types of ammunition, which were prepared for smuggling outside the country.
It described such attempts as a “threat to security and stability in the region,” stressing that coordination with the Ministry of Defense will continue to carry out similar operations across different areas to “enhance state control over security and prevent any circulation or smuggling of weapons outside its official framework.”
The statement did not provide further details about the nature of the operation, the identity of those involved in the smuggling, or the intended destination of the weapons.
Intensified operations in September
The Interior Ministry has stepped up its operations this September, working alongside other security and military bodies to seize weapons spread across several provinces, from Rural Damascus to Daraa, Deir Ezzor (eastern Syria), and Aleppo.
-
September 3: The Internal Security Directorate announced an operation against what it described as a “terrorist” cell in the town of al-Bab (eastern Aleppo countryside). Weapons, ammunition, and insignia allegedly used by the group to impersonate official entities were seized, and five people were arrested. The ministry said the site had been used to launch attacks in the area.
-
September 4: Security forces raided a house in the city of Nawa (western Daraa countryside) following a tip from a local resident. The ministry reported seizing shells, anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines, and detonation devices, noting that the case was referred to the “competent authorities.”
-
September 7: The Internal Security Directorate in Deir Ezzor raided the home of Kawan al-Tarsh in the village of al-Qat’a near al-Bukamal (eastern Deir Ezzor). The ministry identified him as “a commander of a militia affiliated with the defunct regime.” The raid led to the confiscation of light and medium ammunition, sniper rounds, and RPG propellants, along with flags and slogans tied to the former regime. The ministry said al-Tarsh managed to escape and is still being pursued.
-
September 11: Internal security forces, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate, conducted an operation in the towns of Sa’sa and Kanaker (western Rural Damascus). Rocket launchers, anti-armor missiles, 19 Grad rockets, light arms, and large quantities of ammunition were seized. According to the ministry, these weapons were prepared either for smuggling or for use in “activities threatening security.”
-
September 14: Another raid in Nawa (Daraa countryside) followed reports from locals of stockpiled weapons inside a house. The ministry said the confiscated arms included stolen items from military barracks after the fall of the former regime, allegedly intended for illicit trade.
Syria’s Interior Ministry Caught Between Security Setbacks and Abuses Undermining Public Trust
Syrian Interior Ministry announces arrest of Hezbollah cell near Damascus
The post Syrian Interior Ministry seizes weapons prepared for smuggling in Rural Damascus appeared first on Enab Baladi.