Syria Arrests Alleged Hezbollah Operative Mahmoud Fadl in Homs Crackdown

Syrian security forces have detained Mahmoud Fadl, alleged to be a Hezbollah operative, in Homs province, seizing multiple explosive devices and thwarting what authorities describe as imminent terrorist attacks. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown by Syria’s transitional government on Hezbollah’s activities and smuggling networks following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian Authorities Announce Arrest of Suspected Hezbollah Member in Homs

Syrian security forces, acting on intelligence and surveillance, arrested Mahmoud Fadl, whom they allege is affiliated with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, in a pre-emptive operation in Homs province. The Interior Ministry announced on Sunday, 13 July 2025, that Fadl was found in possession of several ready-to-use improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which he allegedly intended to use in terrorist operations within the region.

As reported by the Times of Israel, the Syrian Interior Ministry named the suspect and confirmed the seizure of explosives, stating,

“The ministry names the operative as Mahmoud Fadl, saying he was in possession of ready-to-use explosives that he intended to use for terrorist attacks in the area. According to the statement, Fadl belonged to a Hezbollah cell active in Syria”.

Details released by Syrian Officials

According to Enab Baladi, the Ministry of Interior’s statement, published on its official Facebook page, outlined that the arrest was the result of a “preemptive” security operation conducted in cooperation with the Internal Security Command in Homs. Authorities emphasised that the suspect had been under surveillance and tracking prior to his apprehension. The ministry further noted that the explosives were smuggled through illegal border crossings and that the suspect was connected to a wider cell affiliated with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The Interior Ministry stated,

“The IEDs were confiscated, and the suspect was referred to the competent judiciary for legal proceedings.”

The ministry highlighted that this operation is part of ongoing efforts to bring to justice those responsible for crimes against Syrians during the past 14 years of conflict.

Hezbollah Response

As reported by Yeni Şafak, there has been no official comment from Hezbollah regarding the Syrian authorities’ claims or the arrest of Mahmoud Fadl. The absence of a statement from Hezbollah leaves questions about the group’s current operations and intentions in Syria, especially in the context of increasing pressure from both Syrian and international actors.

Broader Context of Crackdowns on Hezbollah

The arrest of the alleged Hezbollah operative comes amid a significant shift in Syria’s internal and regional dynamics. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, a new transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa has moved aggressively to dismantle smuggling networks and curb the influence of foreign-backed militias, including Hezbollah and Iranian-linked groups.

As reported by The New Arab,

“Syria’s new authorities have forced Hezbollah to withdraw from the country and have moved to shut down its smuggling networks, hampering its ability to move weapons and money over the Syria-Lebanon border.”

The report also notes that the collapse of the Assad regime has placed additional pressure on Hezbollah, which had previously been a close ally of the former government and deployed thousands of fighters in support of Assad’s forces during the civil war.

What Other Arrests Have Been Made?

The crackdown on Hezbollah is part of a broader campaign by Syrian authorities against individuals and networks associated with war crimes and illicit activities. Enab Baladi reported that, earlier in July, the Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of Brigadier General Riyad Hamdo al-Shehada, a former officer accused of numerous violations against civilians during the Assad era. The ministry also recently targeted members of the “47th Regiment,” affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), arresting over 50 individuals on various charges including illegal arms possession and drug trafficking.

The Syrian Observer detailed the arrest of former Air Force Intelligence Brigadier General Suleiman al-Tinawi, accused of participating in massacres and coordinating with Hezbollah and other sectarian militias. These actions reflect the transitional government’s stated commitment to accountability for past atrocities and the dismantling of foreign-backed armed groups.

What Is the Impact on Hezbollah’s Operations?

As reported by The New Arab and NCRI Iran, the new Syrian administration has intensified efforts to disrupt Hezbollah’s weapons smuggling networks, particularly along the Syria-Lebanon border. The government has declared it will no longer allow Iran to use Syrian territory as a corridor for militias and military supplies, signalling a clear departure from the policies of the Assad era.

Yeni Şafak highlighted that

“several smuggled ready-to-use explosive devices were seized from [Fadl’s] possession,”

underscoring the operational risks Hezbollah now faces within Syria. The Lebanese army has also increased surveillance and disarmament operations, particularly south of the Litani River, with the support of international actors.

What Are the International Reactions?

According to The New Arab, the United States has demanded that the new Lebanese government take steps to disarm Hezbollah, with US Syria envoy Tom Barrack delivering an ultimatum to Beirut. Since the ceasefire with Israel in November 2024, the Lebanese army has largely dismantled Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in the south, though Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has insisted that full disarmament will not occur until Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and ceases air strikes.

What Is the Local Response in Syria?

Enab Baladi and NCRI Iran both reported that segments of the Syrian population, particularly in regions long affected by militia activity, have welcomed the security operations. Local authorities have urged citizens to report suspicious activities, and the government has expanded its campaign to include settlement and disarmament initiatives for former regime officers and militia members.

What Is the Recent History of Hezbollah–Syria Clashes?

Wikipedia’s timeline of Hezbollah–Syria clashes notes that, since December 2024, there have been multiple confrontations between Syrian forces and Hezbollah-affiliated groups, particularly in Homs and along key smuggling routes. Syrian authorities have conducted raids, seized weapon shipments, and engaged in direct clashes with Hezbollah and associated drug trafficking networks. These actions reflect the new government’s determination to reassert control and prevent Syria from serving as a base for foreign militias.

What Comes Next for Syria and Hezbollah?

The arrest of Mahmoud Fadl, as reported by multiple media outlets, marks a significant escalation in Syria’s campaign to root out Hezbollah’s influence and restore state authority following years of civil war and foreign intervention. The transitional government’s actions have signalled a clear break from the Assad era’s reliance on Hezbollah and other external actors, with ongoing security operations likely to continue as Syria seeks to stabilise and rebuild.