Lebanese authorities dismantle network on charges of plotting to attack Syrian forces - Sarmad

Lebanese authorities have dismantled a network of five individuals, including Syrians, one of whom is a former intelligence officer, on suspicion of planning attacks on Syrian forces in the Sahel region, according to AFP.

Sources told the agency that the network includes two Lebanese and three Syrians, one of whom holds the former rank of colonel in the intelligence service. Authorities seized machine guns, hand grenades, sniper rifles, and explosives from them.

The sources added that the network is run by a former Syrian army major general, who resides in Moscow and is close to ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

Network members received military training in eastern Lebanon from Hezbollah fighters, who were a key ally of Assad, the agency reported.

Sources stated that “information from the initial investigation indicates their plan to carry out operations against government forces in the Syrian Sahel.”

For its part, Hezbollah denied in a statement “what some media outlets have persistently published as incorrect accusations against Hezbollah, alleging a link between the party and a security cell whose arrest has been reported on the grounds that it aimed to destabilize security in Lebanon and Syria.”

The party stated that “Hezbollah has no connection, near or far, with any such cell or group,” clarifying that “the claims and accusations against it are entirely and completely baseless.”