Smugglers arrested in the countryside of Damascus after an armed clash... and a security officer martyred.

An official security source in the countryside of Damascus reported that a unit of the Internal Security Forces intercepted a large shipment of drugs coming from Lebanese territories towards the villages of Mount Hermon.

Based on precise intelligence information, a well-planned ambush was set up for the gang responsible for the smuggling operation.

Upon the arrival of the gang members to the ambush area near the village of Aisam in Mount Hermon, an armed clash ensued for several minutes between the armed group and the security forces, resulting in the martyrdom of an officer from the task force and the injury of two other individuals, one of whom is from the General Security.

The clash also led to the arrest of two gang members, the confiscation of their weapons, and the seizure of the drugs in their possession, while the security units continue to pursue the remaining fugitive gang members.

Similarly, the city of Qatana and its surroundings witnessed a wide security alert, with an intensive deployment of heavily armed security personnel as part of ongoing combing operations to track down fugitives and enhance security in the area.

The security source affirmed that the Internal Security Forces are continuing their mission to eliminate smuggling and criminal networks, and will not hesitate to confront any attempt that threatens the country's security and stability.