State Security Disrupts Sea Human Smuggling Cell to Cyprus

Issued by the General Directorate of State Security – Department of Media, Communication, and Public Relations:

In the context of monitoring human trafficking networks and combating human smuggling operations, accurate information was obtained by the Intelligence and Special Operations Directorate of the General Directorate of State Security regarding a group of individuals preparing a maritime operation to smuggle Syrian nationals from Lebanon to Cyprus, targeting approximately 25 Syrian citizens.

Following meticulous surveillance and on-the-ground monitoring, the Intelligence and Special Operations Directorate identified one of the individuals involved in the operation: (M. A.), a Syrian national residing in Lebanon, who was found to be managing and organizing the smuggling of people from Syria into Lebanon, with the intent of transporting them by sea toward Cyprus and then onward to Europe, in exchange for monetary compensation.

On August 31, 2026, following a judicial order from the competent judiciary, he was apprehended in the Nahr al-Kalb area of Zgharta, leading to the prevention of the planned smuggling operation before it could take place.

During interrogation, he confessed to leading a network engaged in smuggling people from Syria to Europe, particularly via Cyprus, for financial gain. It was also confirmed that arrest warrants were issued against him.

Based on a referral from the Public Prosecution Appellate Court in the North, he was detained, the investigation file was completed, and he was handed over to the competent judicial authorities.