The Lebanese army seized about 200 kilograms of explosives in northeastern Lebanon near the Syrian border, the military said Monday, adding that smugglers fled back into Syria.

The army issued a statement saying a military unit seized the explosives in the al-Qasr area of Hermel as part of ongoing operations to monitor and secure the Lebanese-Syrian border.

The materials were packed in bags and prepared for smuggling from Syrian territory into Lebanon, the statement said.

The army handed the seized explosives over to the relevant authorities and is coordinating with the agencies concerned to identify and apprehend those involved.

The military said its border operations aim to prevent smuggling and illegal crossings between the two countries.