The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that the specialized units, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Service, succeeded in directing a “deadly pre-emptive strike” against a terrorist plot that was targeting the country’s security and symbols. The Ministry explained that a series of simultaneous security operations included the governorates of Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Tartous, and Latakia, which resulted in the dismantling of an organized cell affiliated with Hezbollah, whose members infiltrated Syrian territory after receiving extensive training in Lebanon. According to preliminary investigations, the cell was carrying out a “subversive agenda” that included systematic assassinations targeting high-ranking government figures, as part of what it described as attempts to threaten public stability. The Interior Ministry indicated that an arsenal of military equipment was seized in the possession of the cell members, which included explosive devices prepared for detonation, “RPG” launchers with their charges, in addition to automatic rifles, hand grenades, and various ammunition, in addition to monitoring and technical support equipment that included binoculars and specialized cameras, which indicates that the cell was in the “extreme stages of readiness” to begin carrying out its operations. The Ministry affirmed its continued performance of its duty “to protect the security of the nation and preserve the safety of citizens,” and to firmly confront everything that might threaten stability.