The United Nations Security Council expressed its concern over potential arms smuggling over the Lebanon-Syria border, a drive aimed at arming “'Lebanese and non-Lebanese armed groups and militias.”

Citing intelligence reports, the 15-member panel said weapons are being smuggled into Lebanon through the border with Syria in an attempt to boost the fire power of extremists holed up in Lebanon.

“In this regard, it expresses deep concern about the recent statement by Hezbollah that it retains the military capacity to strike all parts of Israel,” a statement read out by Ambassador Pascal Gayama of the Republic of Congo said.

Previously, Iran and Syria have been accused of re-arming Hezbollah with long-range rockets, allegations firmly denied by both countries. This allegation has been erased from the UN’s statement due to the lack of solid evidence to support it.

Through the same statement, the council urged Hezbollah to release two Israeli soldiers abducted last year in July, action that sparked the 34-day-long armed conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

“The council expresses deep concern that Hezbollah has not returned the two Israeli soldiers it abducted, or even provided proof of life, and calls for the immediate and unconditional return.

“It further encourages efforts to urgently settle the issue of Lebanese prisoners detained in Israel,” the statement read.

In related events, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for an extension of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon mission. The peacekeeping force was detached to the Middle Eastern country in 1978 to ensure that all Israeli troops retreat from Lebanon and help the local government restore law and order.