Extensive security campaign carried out to close arms and smuggling points at Syrian-Lebanese borders

The Media Office in Homs governorate said in a statement to SANA: “As part of the ongoing efforts to control the Syrian-Lebanese border, the Border Security Department carried out an extensive campaign in the border village of Hawik, aimed at closing arms and smuggling points, as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the rule of law and reduce illegal activities that negatively affect the Syrian and Lebanese peoples.

The media office indicated that the campaign has so far resulted in the arrest of a number of wanted persons involved in illegal smuggling operations, in addition to seizing quantities of weapons and contraband that were in their possession.

“There were clashes between the border security forces and a number of wanted persons during the campaign, resulting in the kidnapping of two security personnel.

The Department confirmed that the release of the abductees is a top priority, and that it will spare no effort in pursuing those involved and holding them accountable in accordance with the law,” the media office added.

The media office noted that “the security forces affirm their determination to resolutely counter armed militias and smuggling gangs that are destabilizing the region and harming the interests of the Syrian and Lebanese peoples. They call on all citizens to cooperate with the security services to report any suspicious activities in order to preserve the country’s security and the safety of its citizens.”