US Central Command praises Syria for interdicting weapons shipments intended for Hezbollah

WASHINGTON

US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday commended Syria for intercepting several weapons shipments reportedly destined for Lebanese Hezbollah.

"Congratulations to Syria's security forces for recently interdicting multiple weapons shipments. These shipments were intended for Lebanese Hizbollah," CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement.

The US and its regional partners have a "shared interest" in ensuring the disarmament of Hezbollah and in preserving peace and stability across the Middle East, Cooper added.

The statement came after Syrian officials said Wednesday that security forces had shot one suspect and detained four others who were allegedly trying to transport hundreds of landmines to Hezbollah.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, remains a key concern for US defense officials, who argue the group’s military capabilities threaten security in Lebanon, Israel, and Syria.