The Syrian Interior Ministry announced a major security achievement: the arrest of all members of a cell responsible for a series of rocket attacks targeting Mezzeh military airport, one of the most sensitive and strategic sites in the capital, Damascus. In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that initial investigations revealed a surprising detail regarding the source of the weapons used, indicating they belonged to the Lebanese group Hezbollah, a key ally of the Syrian government.

According to the statement, specialized security units successfully dismantled the cell after meticulous surveillance and monitoring of suspected launch sites in various areas of Damascus and its surroundings. The ministry explained that this group had carried out several attacks on the airport in recent months, causing significant security concerns. Intelligence efforts led to the identification of one of the main perpetrators, whose tracking led to the discovery and arrest of the remaining members of the network. The statement also indicated that initial investigations with the detainees revealed their connection to "external entities," without explicitly identifying them.

Context and historical background

This announcement is particularly significant given the strategic location of Mezzeh military airport. Situated west of Damascus, near the presidential palace and other key security and military installations, the airport serves as a major base for the Republican Guard and the Syrian Air Force. Throughout the years of the Syrian conflict, the airport has been a frequent target of airstrikes and missile attacks, most of which have been attributed to Israel, which systematically targets what it believes to be weapons shipments and sites belonging to Iran and Hezbollah in Syria. The airport's continued targeting is indicative of the regional conflict playing out on Syrian soil.

Importance and potential impacts

The exposure of this cell and the indictment of the weapons' source carry multiple implications, both domestically and regionally. Domestically, the Syrian government, through this announcement, seeks to reaffirm its security control over the capital and demonstrate its ability to thwart attacks targeting its strategic depth. Regionally, the indication that the weapons originated from Hezbollah, a close ally, raises complex questions. While coordination between the two sides exists at the highest levels, this announcement may point to the existence of networks operating outside of complete control or could be a political message to other regional actors. It also highlights the continued instability and proliferation of weapons in the region, further complicating efforts to achieve lasting stability in Syria.

The Syrian Interior Ministry announced in an official statement that its security forces had successfully dismantled a terrorist cell it described as responsible for a series of rocket attacks targeting the Mezzeh district of Damascus last month. In a significant development, the ministry directly accused the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, an ally of Damascus, of supplying the cell with weapons, rockets, and drones.

According to the statement, the competent security services carried out a series of precise operations and diligent follow-up that led to the identification and arrest of all members of the cell. The ministry added that during the operations, a number of drones equipped to carry out further attacks were seized, in addition to missile launchers. Initial investigations with the detainees, according to the same source, revealed their links to foreign entities and that the source of the seized weapons used in the attacks was Hezbollah.

Background of the attacks and the importance of the Mezzeh neighborhood

This security operation follows several recent security incidents in Damascus. Syrian authorities had previously announced that three rockets landed in the Mezzeh district. One struck the dome of the Al-Muhammadi Mosque, another targeted a telecommunications building, and the third landed near Mezzeh Military Airport, without causing any injuries. The Mezzeh district is considered one of the most sensitive areas in the capital, housing important government and military installations, including Mezzeh Military Airport. It is also home to many high-ranking officials and influential figures, making it a strategic target for any party seeking to destabilize the capital.

Security and political context

Although the capital, Damascus, remained under the complete control of the Syrian government throughout the years of conflict, it was not immune to attacks and bombings intended to convey political and military messages. The dismantling of this cell represents a security success for the Syrian authorities in securing the capital, but it also reveals the continued existence of security gaps that could be exploited.

The repercussions of accusing Hezbollah

The Syrian Interior Ministry's formal and direct accusation against Hezbollah, a key strategic ally of the Syrian government in its conflict since 2011, represents a highly significant and complex political turning point. This announcement raises profound questions about the current nature of the relationship between the two allies and may indicate internal tensions or disagreements within the "axis of resistance." Regionally, this accusation could have far-reaching consequences, placing the relationship between Damascus and Beirut under renewed strain and providing ample ammunition for regional and international adversaries who have long accused the party of engaging in destabilizing activities in the region.

In a fraternal gesture reflecting the depth of the personal and historical ties between the leaderships of the two brotherly countries, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, made a telephone call to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of the Kingdom of Morocco.

During the call, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince inquired about the health of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, expressing his sincere wishes for his continued good health and well-being. For his part, His Majesty the King of Morocco expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for these sincere and noble sentiments, which reflect the strength of the distinguished bilateral relations between the two kingdoms.

Historical background and established relationships

This contact is not merely a protocolary gesture, but a natural extension of the long-standing historical and strategic relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco. This relationship rests on solid foundations of Islamic solidarity, Arab identity, and a shared destiny, in addition to the close ties between the two countries' royal families. Riyadh and Rabat have consistently stood shoulder to shoulder in various regional and international forums, maintaining continuous coordination and converging visions on key regional and global issues, making their partnership a model for Arab-Arab relations.

Strategic and diplomatic importance

Such high-level contacts are of paramount importance, especially given the challenges facing the Arab region. They not only contribute to strengthening bilateral relations on the political and economic levels, but also send a clear message about the continuity of the strategic alliance between the two countries, which is considered a cornerstone of security and stability in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Furthermore, inquiring about the health of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who enjoys a prominent position on the international stage, reflects Saudi Arabia's interest in the stability and prosperity of the Kingdom of Morocco, which has a positive impact on the entire region.

Humanitarian implications and reassuring messages

This contact comes in a context that highlights the human dimension of relations between the leaders, something highly valued in Arab culture. The Crown Prince's personal concern for the health of King Mohammed VI underscores that the relationship between the two countries transcends official frameworks, reaching the level of genuine brotherhood. At the same time, this gesture carries reassuring messages to the Moroccan people and to regional and international partners regarding His Majesty's health, thus strengthening confidence and stability. This direct communication affirms the ongoing consultation and coordination between the two leaderships to address shared challenges and realize the aspirations of their peoples for greater progress and prosperity.