On December 25, the Lebanese military announced that it had launched airstrikes targeting drug trafficking networks operating in southern Syria, in the context of Jordan strengthening security protection at the northern border.
Syrian national broadcaster Al-Ikhbariya said the Lebanese air force has been attacking targets described as a drug smuggling network in rural areas south and east of sweida province. The airstrikes targeted drug depots and an arms depot of smuggling gangs operating in the area.
According to Al-Ikhbariya, a former Syrian military stronghold that was recently converted by criminal groups into a drug den, was also destroyed in the airstrike. This information shows that smuggling networks have taken advantage of abandoned military facilities to serve illegal activities.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a local source that several airstrikes took place along the areas near the Syria-Jordan border. The organization also noted the heavy military aircraft activity during the campaign.
Jordan confirmed that the air force had targeted a number of factories and workshops used by arms and drug dealers, but did not disclose details. Lebanese military officials confirmed that the targets were determined based on accurate intelligence, with the coordination of partners in the region.
The Lebanese military said the suspects involved in arms and drug smuggling into Lebanese territory have been neutralized. Jordan has stressed that it will continue to deploy all necessary measures to protect border security and prevent smuggling activities from the north.
In recent years, Jordan has stepped up military activity along the border with Syria, including the use of drones, to deal with the growing threat from drug and weapons smuggling networks.
Before the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, captagon synthetic drugs were considered a popular smuggling item from Syria to countries in the region.
