Lebanese government sources announced during the two-hour period ending at 6:45 PM UTC on January 2, 2026, the launch of an expanded investigation into the movements of remnants of the ousted Syrian regime in Lebanon to prevent activities targeting Syria. Security services opened a comprehensive probe using all circulated information, according to the sources. The statements emphasized there is no political cover for any activity aimed at turning Lebanon into a platform for targeting Syria or compromising its security. Lebanese authorities affirmed the state will not hesitate to take legal or security measures upon completing the ongoing investigations, as reported in social media posts within the reporting window from 4:46 PM UTC. This development follows earlier reports of Assad regime remnants operating in northeast Syria under SDF control, as disclosed by ICAD earlier on January 2, 2026. Separately, the International Crisis Group highlighted rising global conflicts, including Syria, in its '10 Conflicts to Watch in 2026' published via X during the same period.
