Syrian Internal Security Seizes Large Weapons Cache in Rural Homs
By Kardo Roj
HOMS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Internal Security Forces announced Thursday the seizure of a large cache of weapons and ammunition during a security sweep in the al-Mukharram area, northeast of Homs city. Authorities say the confiscated arms were intended for operations aimed at destabilizing the region.
According to a statement released by Syria’s Ministry of Interior, the weapons haul included both light and medium-grade arms, as well as a significant quantity of ammunition. The operation was carried out on Wednesday and is part of what the ministry describes as “ongoing efforts to restrict arms possession to state authorities.”
Photos released from the scene show boxes of munitions, rifles, and explosives that officials claim were prepared for imminent use in attacks.
This latest raid follows a similar operation conducted earlier in the week, during which Internal Security units uncovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs), bomb-making materials, and other weapons in the city of Homs. No group has claimed responsibility for the intended attacks, and authorities have not specified the identity of the individuals or networks linked to the seized weapons.
Officials emphasize that these operations are part of a broader national campaign to dismantle weapons networks and prevent the proliferation of arms outside formal military structures. The Interior Ministry reiterated its commitment to “ensuring the safety and security of citizens by neutralizing threats before they materialize.”
The region has faced sporadic security challenges in recent years, particularly in areas formerly contested during Syria’s protracted conflict. While many regions, particularly those administered by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), enjoy a higher degree of local stability, parts of central and western Syria have continued to witness occasional incidents linked to criminal groups or dormant militant cells.
Security operations like the one in al-Mukharram underscore the lingering threat posed by unsecured weapons stockpiles and underline the necessity of continued vigilance by local and national forces.
The seizure comes at a time when the Syrian transitional government is attempting to project authority and re-establish centralized control across its territory following the departure of former president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
No casualties were reported during the latest operation, and investigations are reportedly underway to trace the origin of the weapons and identify any individuals involved in their transport or planned use.