ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Lebanon’s Hezbollah denied on Sunday the Syrian interior ministry’s accusations linking it to a plot to assassinate a religious figure, calling the claims “false and fabricated.”

In a statement, Hezbollah said it has no presence or activities inside Syria and has “no connection or relationship with any party” in the country, stressing its support for Syria’s stability and urging authorities to verify information before making accusations. 

It warned that intelligence actors may be seeking to inflame tensions between Beirut and Damascus.

The denial came a day after Syria’s interior ministry said it had foiled a sabotage plot targeting Damascus following surveillance of suspicious activity.

Authorities said a woman linked to the cell was intercepted while attempting to plant an explosive device, which was later dismantled before detonation. No casualties were reported, and all five members of the cell were arrested.

A Syrian security source later identified the intended target as Jewish rabbi Michael Houri.

Preliminary investigations, according to the ministry, indicated links between the cell and Hezbollah, with members having received specialized training abroad in planting explosives.

In a post on X, the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States (ARIS) thanked Syrian authorities for thwarting the attempt and dismantling the cell, saying the move reflects efforts to protect the Jewish community and maintain security and stability.

The interior ministry said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the case before referring the suspects to the judiciary.