Hezbollah Denies Role in Foiled Cross-Border Attack Plot in Syria
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BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah denied involvement in a foiled cross-border attack plot in Syria's Quneitra province, rejecting Syrian authorities' attribution of the operation to the Lebanon-based militant group.
Syrian security forces announced the dismantling of a cell they said was preparing to launch an incursion from Lebanon into Quneitra. Officials stated the group aimed to destabilize the region and coordinate support for operations in Lebanon and Gaza. The operation was thwarted before any attacks could be executed.
In a statement released on Saturday, Hezbollah said it had no connection to the plot. The group emphasized that its military operations are strictly focused on confronting Israel in defense of Lebanon. Hezbollah officials characterized the Syrian allegations as an attempt to shift blame or create a pretext for regional escalation.
The incident marks a rare public disagreement between Damascus and Hezbollah regarding security operations along the border. Syrian authorities have previously cooperated closely with the group, which maintains a significant presence in southern Lebanon and has fought alongside Syrian forces during the country's civil war.
Quneitra, located on the Golan Heights border, has been a focal point of tension due to its proximity to Israeli-controlled territory. The area has seen increased military activity in recent months as regional conflicts have intensified.
Hezbollah's denial came as part of a broader effort to clarify its operational scope amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The group has consistently maintained that its primary objective is resisting Israeli occupation, rather than engaging in independent operations within Syria.
Syrian officials did not provide details on the number of individuals detained or the specific nature of the planned attack. Security sources in Damascus indicated that the cell was operating with external support, though they did not specify the source of that backing.
The dispute highlights the complex dynamics between regional actors as conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon continue to evolve. Analysts note that such denials are common when groups seek to avoid direct confrontation with state authorities or when operations are attributed without public evidence.
No further details have been released regarding the investigation or the status of those detained. Syrian authorities have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected or if the case will be made public.
The situation remains fluid as both sides assess the implications of the foiled plot and the public statements that followed.