Units of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), deployed in the Bekaa and the north, have arrested seven citizens as they attempted to smuggle fuel into the Syrian territories, the Army Command – Directorate of Orientation said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the army said it seized six vehicles loaded with fuel, including around 24,500 liters of diesel oil, 1,900 liters of gasoline, some gas cylinders and a quantity of flour.

The seized materials were handed over and an investigation was launched with the detainees under the supervision of the competent judiciary, the statement added.

Smuggling occurs in both directions, but smuggling from Lebanon to Syria has become more common with deteriorating economic conditions in the two countries and in light of the sanctions imposed on Syria.