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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA) welcomes recent actions taken by Syrian authorities to uncover and shut down tunnel networks along the Syria–Lebanon border reportedly used by Hezbollah to traffic weapons, contraband, and illicit goods.
These operations mark an important step toward restoring Syria’s sovereignty and strengthening national security after years in which foreign-backed militias and transnational criminal groups exploited Syrian territory as a corridor for destabilizing activity across the region.
“The discovery and closure of cross-border tunnels is a clear signal that Syria is taking meaningful steps to reassert control over its borders and prevent armed non-state actors from operating with impunity,” said Dr. Abdulrahim Ismail, President of C4SSA. “Smuggling networks have long undermined Syria’s security and fueled regional instability. Addressing this threat is essential for rebuilding a secure and unified Syrian state.”
These tunnels represent more than criminal trafficking routes—they represent a system of foreign interference and militia entrenchment that has harmed Syrians for years. Dismantling them is an important move toward stability, accountability, and a Syria that is no longer used as a platform for Iran-backed militias. The new Syria will become a corridor for prosperity, a hub for global trade and energy connectivity.
We applaud this effort by the Syrian authorities and call on international partners to support them through cooperation on counter-smuggling measures, technical assistance, and targeted action against networks involved in illicit trafficking.
As Syria continues its post-conflict recovery and national rebuilding efforts, C4SSA reaffirms its support for policies that strengthen Syrian sovereignty, protect civilians, and prevent destabilizing foreign actors from reestablishing influence.
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