Syrian Coast Guard foils two human smuggling attempts
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Coast Guard announced Wednesday that it thwarted two attempts to smuggle over 100 people, arresting several traffickers in the process.
A source from the Ministry of Defense told Sana that one boat carrying 32 people tried to cross to Turkish shores. When traffickers attempted to escape, a firefight ensued, and the coast guard successfully controlled the situation, seizing the boat and arresting the perpetrators.
In a second operation, approximately 70 people attempting to leave the country illegally were intercepted, with the boats confiscated and the traffickers referred to the competent authorities for legal proceedings.