Armed Clash Between Lebanese Army Personnel and a Smuggler, and Foiling of Attempts to Smuggle Rocket Projectiles, Explosives, and Drugs Across the Lebanese-Syrian Border

The Lebanese Army Command – Directorate of Orientation issued the following statement:

On October 9, 2026, as part of the ongoing surveillance of the Lebanese-Syrian border and illegal crossings used for smuggling, an armed clash occurred in the outskirts of Aarsal between Lebanese Army personnel and Lebanese citizen (A.B.), who is involved in smuggling activities. No injuries were reported.

The clash took place while the individual was attempting to smuggle a quantity of drugs from Lebanese territory into Syrian territory. He was arrested, and approximately 60 kg of hashish, 35 kg of Captagon, and 22 kg of marijuana were seized in his possession, along with a handgun and a quantity of ammunition.

Furthermore, a Lebanese Army unit in Al Qasr – Hermel thwarted an attempt to smuggle materials across the border from Syrian territory into Lebanese territory. The unit seized a quantity of rocket projectiles and approximately 24 kg of highly explosive TNT intended for smuggling.

The seized items were handed over to the relevant authorities, and an investigation was launched with the arrestees under the supervision of the competent judicial authorities. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those involved in the attempted smuggling of explosives.