Foiling an attempt to smuggle more than 30 people while trying to leave Syria illegally.

Syrian coast guard forces have detained a boat carrying over 30 people while attempting to illegally leave Syrian territorial waters to smuggle them to a neighboring country. According to "SANA," the Syrian coast guard reported that a boat was seized in territorial waters with over 30 civilians onboard trying to leave the country illegally to a neighboring state. The boat was intercepted off the Syrian coast, and all individuals onboard were taken for investigation into the smuggling operation and those responsible. In recent years, the Syrian coast has seen an increase in attempts of illegal migration by boat, with hundreds leaving from various coastal provinces. In August of last year, the Lebanese navy intercepted an "illegal migration" vessel carrying Syrians after being denied entry by Cypriot authorities, having departed from the shores of Tartus, Syria, and reaching Tripoli port with Syrian nationals onboard.