Israel uncovers a weapons smuggling network with Syria

Israeli security services announced today the dismantling of a wide ranging smuggling network that transports weapons from Syrian territories into Israel, following a joint operation involving the General Security Service "Shin Bet," the Israeli Police, and the Israeli Army.

The security agencies stated that the investigations led to the arrest of several residents from northern Israel, including five soldiers and reservists, along with Syrian civilians suspected of being involved in smuggling operations through the Syrian village of Hajar, adjacent to the Golan Heights.

The Shin Bet revealed that the network was transporting weapons to criminal elements in northern Israel, noting that among those detained was Iyad Halabi (45 years old) from the village of Yarka, who is a first sergeant in one of the divisions operating in the northern sector.

Intelligence information indicated that the network attempted, just days before the arrests, to smuggle a large shipment of weapons, including explosives, RPG rounds, assault rifles, and large quantities of ammunition.

Last month, an Israeli military force conducted a nighttime operation in southern Syria, seizing dozens of weapons and arresting three Syrians suspected of involvement in smuggling operations. The seized weapons were handed over to the Shin Bet, which later uncovered a plot to smuggle them into Israel.

According to the investigation, the shipment was intended for Ramy Abu Sha'ah (49 years old) from ShefaAmr, who is suspected of communicating with Basa'ir (25 years old), a Syrian national involved in largescale weapons smuggling.

ANHA