Syria's Internal Security Forces (ISF) claimed to have arrested a three-person Hezbollah cell planning an attack, in a Tuesday post on X/Twitter.

According to the ISF, the Hezbollah cell had been plotting sabotage in the Yarmouk Basin in the Daraa area, and therefore the ISF had launched a preemptive security operation.

The terror cell had attempted to prepare several rocket launch platforms, which were fully dismantled, the ISF said.

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 23, 2026.
Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 23, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/CAITLIN OCHS)

Al-Sharaa diverting Syrian funds to military purposes

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been diverting most of the country's resources, from tax revenues to international aid, toward building a large standing army and acquiring weapons systems, according to Israeli security assessments.

Instead of investing in infrastructure, rebuilding the country, or improving the welfare of civilians who suffered through 15 years of war, the extremist regime is focusing on an arms buildup while working to conceal its military expansion strategy. The development is raising concern and red flags within the intelligence community.

According to IDF assessments, Sharaa's operational plans are intended for the point at which he believes he can strike Hezbollah in Lebanon, which he despises, as well as pro-Iranian Shi'ite militias in Iraq.

Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.