Syria arrests 12 at Lebanese border, including ex-Assad regime officers

Syrian border guards have arrested twelve people attempting to cross into the country from Lebanon, among them former soldiers and officers associated with the deposed regime of Bashar al-Assad. The overnight operation on Friday resulted in the detainees being handed over to authorities for legal proceedings, according to an announcement by Syria's Defense Ministry Media and Communications Department.

Link to Investigation into Former Regime Networks

The arrests coincided with Syrian state media highlighting a recent New York Times investigation alleging that senior figures from the former regime are orchestrating covert efforts to undermine Syria's transitional authorities. The report names former special forces commander Suheil al-Hassan and ex-military intelligence chief Kamal al-Hassan as key figures allegedly financing and arming outlawed groups. It claims Suheil al-Hassan met with collaborators in Lebanon, Iraq, and inside Syria over the past year to foment unrest.

Recent Security Operation Against an Armed Cell

In a related development, Syria's Interior Ministry announced a security operation in the Latakia countryside targeting a cell called "Saraya al-Jawad," which it linked to Suheil al-Hassan. Authorities reported seizing explosives, weapons, and military gear, arresting one suspect and "neutralizing" three others. A top Latakia security official stated the cell was involved in assassinations, bombings, and planning attacks during the New Year period, targeting internal security and army positions.

Broader Context of Political Transition

These security operations underscore the challenges facing Syria's new transitional administration under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, which was formed in January following the collapse of the Baath Party regime and Assad's flight to Russia. The government is actively working to tighten nationwide security and pursue remnants of the former regime accused of stirring violence. The situation highlights the fragile stability in Syria and the ongoing threat from armed spoilers. Türkiye, which supports a political solution that ensures Syria's territorial integrity and stability, views the eradication of terrorist and destabilizing networks as crucial for the safe return of refugees and lasting peace in its southern neighbor.