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3. Hezbollah-Linked Cell Foiled in Damascus Plot Targeting Religious Figure

Syrian authorities said Saturday they foiled a planned attack in Damascus, arresting a five-member cell allegedly linked to Hezbollah that was preparing to target a religious figure near a church in the capital.

In a statement, the Syrian Interior Ministry said its Counter-Terrorism Department, in coordination with security forces in the Damascus countryside, disrupted the operation following surveillance of “suspicious movements.” Authorities said a woman involved in the cell was apprehended while attempting to plant an explosive device near the residence of a religious figure.

Security forces were able to dismantle the device before it detonated, with no reported casualties or damage, and arrested all five suspected members of the cell.

Preliminary investigations indicate the group is linked to Hezbollah, with members allegedly receiving specialized training abroad, including in the placement of explosive devices. Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the plot and identify any affiliated networks, ahead of referring the suspects to the judiciary.

The incident comes amid heightened security tensions in Syria following the broader regional escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Since early February, authorities have deployed missile units and thousands of troops along the Lebanese border, describing the measures as defensive.