Latest news with #Hezbollah-linked
Shafaq News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Lebanese Army urges caution on Syrian Border reports
Shafaq News – Beirut The Lebanese Army renewed its call for accuracy in media reporting on border security developments, particularly in sensitive areas along the Lebanese-Syrian frontier. In a statement on Saturday, the army warned that misinformation and speculation could provoke internal unrest and undermine national stability, urging media outlets to rely solely on official statements for reliable updates. The military stressed that its coordination with Syrian authorities remains ongoing and that regular security procedures are being implemented to monitor and secure the border. This comes amid growing unease over reported military activity and cross-border tensions. إلحاقًا بالبيان الصادر بتاريخ ١ / ٧ / ٢٠٢٥ والمتعلق بالتدابير الأمنية للجيش عند الحدود اللبنانية السورية، تعيد قيادة الجيش التشديد على ضرورة توخي الدقة من قبل وسائل الإعلام لدى نشر أخبار تتعلق بالجيش والوضع الأمني، لا سيما في المناطق الحدودية، لما تتركه الشائعات والأخبار غير… — الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial) July 5, 2025 In recent weeks, Lebanese and regional observers have noted an increase in Syrian military deployments opposite key Lebanese border areas such as Rachaya, Al-Qaa, and Al-Qasr. Of particular concern is the presence of foreign fighters operating openly near the border, according to Lebanese security sources. These movements have raised fears of potential infiltration into Lebanese territory, particularly through northern areas where some local groups are seen as sympathetic to the new Syrian government but hostile to Hezbollah. Lebanese sources believe that such actors—many of whom hold longstanding grievances from past conflicts—may be seeking retaliation against Hezbollah, which played a significant combat role in the Syrian civil war. Media outlets said that Hezbollah has reportedly repositioned fighters from southern Lebanon to the eastern border in coordination with the Lebanese Army, which continues to struggle with controlling smuggling and infiltration across the 375-kilometer-long border. However, the group did not comment on these reports. Syria, for its part, maintains that its increased presence along the border is aimed at curbing the smuggling of weapons and narcotics—issues that Damascus frequently attributes to Hezbollah-linked networks. These latest developments revive long-standing tensions surrounding the Lebanese-Syrian border, an area historically marked by disputes, ambiguous demarcations, and illicit crossings. Despite the signing of a preliminary border coordination agreement between the two countries in Jeddah last March—following deadly border clashes—implementation has remained limited. The agreement envisioned joint legal and technical committees to address security threats and explore eventual demarcation. In parallel, political discussions have been in place. US envoy Thomas Barrack recently presented Lebanese officials with a multi-point proposal, urging improved security coordination with Syria, the formal demarcation of borders, and the restriction of weapons to official state forces. The Lebanese government has yet to announce its formal position. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has signaled Beirut's intent to extend state authority across all national territory and to regulate the border through joint efforts with Damascus. The issue of border control has also featured in recent meetings between Salam and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. However, no official timeline has been announced for implementing the coordination measures.
India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
US slaps sanctions on Iran oil smuggling network fuelling Hezbollah and militants
The US Treasury Department on Thursday unveiled a fresh round of sanctions targeting a sophisticated oil smuggling operation and a Hezbollah-linked financial firm, intensifying efforts to choke off Iran's revenue streams that fuel "destabilising activities.""Treasury will continue to target Tehran's revenue sources and intensify economic pressure to disrupt the regime's access to the financial resources that fuel its destabilising activities," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement announcing the the heart of the crackdown is a network allegedly controlled by Iraqi-British national Salim Ahmed Said, which has been buying and shipping billions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi since at least 2020. The Treasury said the group operated a chain of companies that moved crude oil across borders, sidestepping international sanctions. A separate set of sanctions also targeted a financial institution tied to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group designated as a terrorist organisation by the oil exports have been under severe restrictions due to Iran's nuclear ambitions and its support for proxy groups across the Middle to a 2023 Reuters investigation, a fuel-oil smuggling network flourishing in Iraq since 2022 generates at least $1 billion a year for Iran and its proxies — funds the US now seeks to sanctions came after the US carried out strikes on June 22 on three Iranian nuclear sites including its most deeply buried enrichment plant, Fordow. The Pentagon said on Wednesday the strikes had degraded Iran's nuclear program by up to two years, despite a far more cautious initial assessment that had leaked to the US and Iran are expected to hold indirect talks in Oslo next week to discuss Iran's nuclear programme — though tensions over oil smuggling, sanctions, and recent military actions could overshadow the dialogue.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersMust Watch
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
US sanctions 'Hezbollah financiers and Iranian oil smugglers'
Shafaq News – Washington The US Department of the Treasury on Thursday announced sweeping sanctions targeting what it called Hezbollah-linked financial operatives in Lebanon and Iranian oil smuggling networks spanning Iraq, the Gulf, and Asia. In a pair of statements, the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned seven senior officials and one entity affiliated with Lebanon's Al-Qard Al-Hassan (AQAH), a Hezbollah -controlled financial institution designated by the US since 2007. 'These officials sought to disguise Hizballah's (Hezbollah) interest in seemingly legitimate transactions, exposing Lebanese banks to serious financial crime risks,' said Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender. He added that the US remains committed to dismantling Hizballah's financial infrastructure as the group attempts to rebuild its operations. Among those sanctioned are AQAH executives Nehme Ahmad Jamil, Issa Hussein Kassir, Samer Hasan Fawaz, and others accused of facilitating multi-million dollar transactions that covertly served Hizballah's interests. OFAC also designated the Beirut-based company Tashilat SARL, co-owned by AQAH officials, for its role in supporting Hezbollah's financial ecosystem through post-conflict mortgage services and other business fronts. In addition, OFAC also unveiled sanctions against a sprawling oil smuggling network led by Iraqi-British businessman Salim Ahmed Said, accused of blending and selling Iranian oil as Iraqi crude using forged documentation and corrupt deals with Iraqi officials. According to the Treasury, Said's operations have generated billions of dollars in revenue for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), a US-designated terrorist organization. Said's companies—operating out of Iraq and the United Arab Emirates—allegedly manipulated shipping records, conducted ship-to-ship transfers in the Persian Gulf, and stored oil in disguised terminals in Khor al-Zubayr. One firm, VS Tankers FZE, reportedly used a fleet of vessels to blend sanctioned Iranian oil with legitimate Iraqi crude, allowing it to reach global markets. The Treasury also sanctioned several ships and shipping companies believed to be part of Iran's 'shadow fleet,' used to covertly transport oil in defiance of international sanctions.
Ya Libnan
4 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Lebanon drafts reply to US demand for Hezbollah to disarm, report
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and U.S. special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack arrives to meet with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon June 19, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo By Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily Summary BEIRUT – Lebanese officials were drafting a response on Tuesday to U.S. demands for armed group Hezbollah to relinquish its weapons across the country by November in exchange for a halt to Israeli military operations, two sources briefed on the matter said. The deadline has turned up the heat on Iran-backed Hezbollah, which was struck hard by Israel during last year's war, is suffering a financial crunch and faces pressure in Lebanon to disarm. Washington's demands were conveyed by Thomas Barrack, U.S. special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, during a trip to Beirut on June 19. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters Barrack had shared a written roadmap with Lebanese officials and told them he expected to hear back by July 1 on any proposed amendments. The six-page document centers on the disarmament of Hezbollah and other militant groups, and urges Lebanon to improve ties with neighbouring Syria and implement financial reforms, they said. It proposes a phased approach to disarmament, in which Hezbollah would hand in its arms throughout Lebanon in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli troops occupying areas in south Lebanon, the sources said. Barrack said full disarmament should be completed by November or by the end of the year at the latest, they said. Disarmament would end Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah members and unlock funds to rebuild parts of Lebanon destroyed by Israeli forces last year, they said. The U.S. has said Washington will not support reconstruction in Lebanon without Hezbollah laying down arms. The proposal also refers to establishing a mechanism overseen by the United Nations to secure the release of Hezbollah-linked prisoners by Israel, the sources said. They said Barrack had urged Lebanese officials to seize the opportunity laid out in the roadmap as it 'may not come up again.' He is set to return to Lebanon next week. Barrack had not yet gotten Israeli approval for the roadmap, the sources said. There was no immediate response from the U.S. state department, Israel's prime minister's office or Israel's foreign ministry to Reuters requests for comment. 'THE RIGHT TO SAY NO' Lebanon has appointed a committee to formulate a preliminary response, comprised of delegates from the offices of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, the sources said. It was not clear whether the initial reply would be ready by Tuesday. The U.S. proposal includes a condition that the final deal be sealed with a unanimous decision by Lebanon's government, the sources said. The second source, and a third source briefed on the matter, said Berri was in close communication with Hezbollah to secure the group's input. 'Hezbollah has not refused to cooperate with the committee and in fact began sending signals of cooperation – but has not committed to disarming,' the third source said. The prospect of securing Hezbollah's disarmament – unimaginable two years ago – underlines the big shifts in the Middle East power balance to the detriment of Iran's allies across the region since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah ally Hamas in October 2023. Some of Hezbollah's arsenal was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, and other depots in southern Lebanon were handed over to Lebanon's army in accordance with the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that ended that round of conflict. That deal called for the disarmament of armed groups across Lebanon. Hezbollah has said it applies only to the group in Lebanon's southernmost districts. Hezbollah has not commented publicly on Barrack's proposal. But in a televised address on Monday, its secretary general, Naim Qassem, reiterated Hezbollah's resistance to U.S. and Israeli pressure and urged other Lebanese to do the same. 'We have the right to say 'no' to them, 'no' to America, 'no' to Israel,' Qassem said. 'We call on you in Lebanon: do not help Israel and America with their plans.' Qassem said the U.S. and Israel 'want to exploit the moment to turn the equation in the entire region in their image.' Reuters
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lebanon drafts reply to US demand for Hezbollah to disarm, sources say
By Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanese officials were drafting a response on Tuesday to U.S. demands for armed group Hezbollah to relinquish its weapons across the country by November in exchange for a halt to Israeli military operations, two sources briefed on the matter said. The deadline has turned up the heat on Iran-backed Hezbollah, which was struck hard by Israel during last year's war, is suffering a financial crunch and faces pressure in Lebanon to disarm. Washington's demands were conveyed by Thomas Barrack, U.S. special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, during a trip to Beirut on June 19. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters Barrack had shared a written roadmap with Lebanese officials and told them he expected to hear back by July 1 on any proposed amendments. The six-page document centers on the disarmament of Hezbollah and other militant groups, and urges Lebanon to improve ties with neighbouring Syria and implement financial reforms, they said. It proposes a phased approach to disarmament, in which Hezbollah would hand in its arms throughout Lebanon in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli troops occupying areas in south Lebanon, the sources said. Barrack said full disarmament should be completed by November or by the end of the year at the latest, they said. Disarmament would end Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah members and unlock funds to rebuild parts of Lebanon destroyed by Israeli forces last year, they said. The U.S. has said Washington will not support reconstruction in Lebanon without Hezbollah laying down arms. The proposal also refers to establishing a mechanism overseen by the United Nations to secure the release of Hezbollah-linked prisoners by Israel, the sources said. They said Barrack had urged Lebanese officials to seize the opportunity laid out in the roadmap as it "may not come up again." He is set to return to Lebanon next week. Barrack had not yet gotten Israeli approval for the roadmap, the sources said. There was no immediate response from the U.S. state department, Israel's prime minister's office or Israel's foreign ministry to Reuters requests for comment. 'THE RIGHT TO SAY NO' Lebanon has appointed a committee to formulate a preliminary response, comprised of delegates from the offices of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, the sources said. It was not clear whether the initial reply would be ready by Tuesday. The U.S. proposal includes a condition that the final deal be sealed with a unanimous decision by Lebanon's government, the sources said. The second source, and a third source briefed on the matter, said Berri was in close communication with Hezbollah to secure the group's input. "Hezbollah has not refused to cooperate with the committee and in fact began sending signals of cooperation - but has not committed to disarming," the third source said. The prospect of securing Hezbollah's disarmament - unimaginable two years ago - underlines the big shifts in the Middle East power balance to the detriment of Iran's allies across the region since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah ally Hamas in October 2023. Some of Hezbollah's arsenal was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, and other depots in southern Lebanon were handed over to Lebanon's army in accordance with the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that ended that round of conflict. That deal called for the disarmament of armed groups across Lebanon. Hezbollah has said it applies only to the group in Lebanon's southernmost districts. Hezbollah has not commented publicly on Barrack's proposal. But in a televised address on Monday, its secretary general, Naim Qassem, reiterated Hezbollah's resistance to U.S. and Israeli pressure and urged other Lebanese to do the same. "We have the right to say 'no' to them, 'no' to America, 'no' to Israel," Qassem said. "We call on you in Lebanon: do not help Israel and America with their plans." Qassem said the U.S. and Israel "want to exploit the moment to turn the equation in the entire region in their image."
