Syria’s Defense Ministry said border guards in Jurd Falita, west of Damascus, foiled a weapons-smuggling attempt at the Syrian-Lebanese border.

The ministry added that four people, including two Lebanese, were arrested and weapons and ammunition seized, with the suspects handed over to the authorities.

Syria’s UN mission in New York, together with the US, UK, Germany, France, Turkey, Qatar, and Canada, launched a Syria-led task force to eliminate any remaining chemical weapons from the former regime.

The initiative is part of international efforts to address the humanitarian and security legacy of chemical weapons, with Syria emphasizing transparency and cooperation.

Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, met with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in New York during a high level event marking the launch of a Syria led international task force to eliminate remaining chemical weapons from the former Assad regime.

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in northwestern Idlib governorate, particularly in refugee camps, damaging homes and infrastructure. Residents have been displaced, and teams are working to clear drainage channels and mitigate the impact despite difficult weather conditions.