U.S. Approves $14 Million Security Package for Lebanon as Syrian Forces Arrest Hezbollah Cell

Latest Developments

Security Package for Lebanon: The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) announced a $14.2 million Presidential Drawdown Authority security assistance package for Lebanon on September 10 aimed at building “the capability and capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to dismantle weapons caches and military infrastructure of non-state groups, including [Iran’s terrorist proxy] Hezbollah.” Equipment in the package will include “shaped charges, demolition charges, detonating cords, electric and non-electric blasting caps, time blasting fuse igniters, time blasting fuse igniters with shock tubes, time blasting fuses, generators,” and unspecified “transportation.” The DOD said that the “package will provide the LAF with capabilities to conduct patrols and safely remove and dispose of deadly unexploded ordnance and Hezbollah weapons caches, in support of the November 2024 Cessation of Hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.”
Syrian Troops Arrest Hezbollah Operatives: The Syrian Interior Ministry announced on September 11 that the forces from the Internal Security Command, in cooperation with the Syrian Intelligence Agency, arrested several members of a Hezbollah terror cell that was active in the towns of Saasaa and Kanaker in “the western Damascus countryside.” The statement noted that the apprehended cell members had received training in Lebanon and were planning “operations” inside Syria that would threaten the “stability and stability of its citizens.” During the arrests, Syrian security forces confiscated 19 Grad rockets, anti-tank missiles, and rocket launch bases, “along with individual weapons and large quantities of various ammunition.”
Hezbollah Issues Denial: Hezbollah denied that the terrorist organization had a presence in Syria following the Interior Ministry’s announcement, dismissing the claims “in their entirety.” The statement asserted that Hezbollah has “no presence and carries out no activity on Syrian territory.” Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force struck several Hezbollah targets in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley on September 11, hitting weapons depots belonging to the Iran-backed terrorist organization.

FDD Expert Response

“Efforts to disarm Hezbollah should be among our top regional priorities. If we have a partner willing to at least partially advance that objective, we should ensure they have the means to do so and are held accountable for tangible and timely results.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center of Military and Political Power

“The arrests in Syria show that Iran and its proxies still maintain ambitions there. Hezbollah continues to move weapons through Syrian territory, albeit at a slower pace, but with some shipments still reaching Lebanon despite interceptions. Syria remains central to Iran’s regional strategy: a platform for supplying Hezbollah and a base for applying pressure on Israel. Any future agreement between Israel and Syria should prioritize countering Iran’s proxies, who pose a threat to both countries.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst