From phone taps to arrests: the intelligence trail behind a Lebanon-Syria security operation

Lebanese and Syrian security forces collaborated to apprehend a cell accused of plotting attacks within Syria. This marks a rare instance of security cooperation between Beirut and Damascus, aimed at targeting networks linked to the former Syrian regime and reducing Hezbollah's influence. The cell comprised Lebanese and Syrian nationals, including a colonel once under former president Bashar Al Assad's command, and some members were reportedly trained by Iran-backed Hezbollah.

However, an ongoing investigation is yet to determine if the suspects were trained in Lebanon or who is supporting the group. The operation was orchestrated in coordination with Syrian authorities. Relations between Lebanon and Syria have been steadily improving, with both nations focusing on bolstering security along their shared border, where tensions persist over weapons smuggling, the movement of former regime figures, and armed group presence.

Syrian security services collected electronic intelligence, which was shared with Lebanese counterparts. An "anti-remnants" division within Syria’s Counter Terrorism Department, based in Damascus, spearheaded the intelligence operation, with Syrian Commander Abdulrahman Al Dabbagh leading the effort and holding meetings with Lebanese security officials in Beirut.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is also striving to strengthen intelligence cooperation with Damascus. Lebanon and Syria have had tense relations for years, stemming from Syria's military presence in Lebanon during and after the 1975-1990 civil war. Syrian forces withdrew in 2005 following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

The new Syrian government has demonstrated a desire to enhance relations with Beirut, emphasizing coordination on border security, curbing smuggling, and delineating the frontier. Syria deployed troops at their shared border with Lebanon six months ago to thwart weapons smuggling to Hezbollah. Hezbollah has shelled Syrian territory at least once along the frontier.

President Ahmad Al Shara’s forces engaged Hezbollah during the Syrian civil war when the Iran-backed militia backed the Assad regime. Intelligence cooperation has gained greater significance as the Lebanese state endeavors to disarm Hezbollah under a US-brokered initiative. Tensions between Lebanon and Syria have eased following a US push to promote collaboration between the two nations.