Lebanon arrests five over alleged Syria border trafficking and military training network

Lebanon's Internal Security Forces arrested five Lebanese and Syrian nationals on Wednesday on allegations of trafficking individuals from the Syrian border into Lebanon and transporting them to the Bekaa Valley for military training, according to the National News Agency (NNA). Security forces reportedly recovered machine guns, sniper rifles, and explosives during the operation. Public Prosecutor Ahmad Rami el-Hajj has ordered an expanded investigation, with the case expected to move to the military judiciary following preliminary questioning. The Iran-backed Hezbollah organization issued a statement categorically denying any connection to the alleged cell. These arrests occur amid ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government regarding a US-mediated framework agreement reached in June between Israel and Lebanon. The agreement stipulates a gradual Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the complete disarmament of Hezbollah and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to designated pilot zones. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem recently reaffirmed his opposition to the deal, labeling it illegitimate, illegal, and a threat to Lebanese sovereignty, while demanding its cancellation.