Explosive-laden Drones Target Military Graduation Ceremony in Syria’s Homs, Causing Multiple Casualties
In a tragic incident, drones carrying explosives struck a military college graduation ceremony in the city of Homs, Syria’s western region, on Wednesday. The Syrian defense ministry released a statement confirming the attack and revealing that dozens of casualties were reported.
The statement said, “There were dozens of wounded soldiers, with critical injuries among the invited families, including women and children, in addition to a number of college students participating in the graduation.” The attack occurred immediately after the ceremony concluded, leaving a devastating impact on the attendees.
The defense ministry quickly attributed the attack to “terrorist organizations supported by well-known international parties.” However, as of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the incident. The Syrian armed forces expressed their outrage, deeming the attack unprecedented. They vowed to retaliate with full force, warning the planners and executors of the attack that they “will pay dearly.”
Homs, an ancient city once hailed as the capital of the Syrian revolution, witnessed fierce battles between regime forces and opposition fighters striving to overthrow President Bashar Al Assad in 2012. The city ultimately succumbed to the regime in 2014 after enduring a two-year siege. Situated in the agricultural heartland of central Syria, Homs served as a significant transportation and commercial hub.
Moreover, the road passing through Homs connects the southern capital, Damascus, to the northern city of Aleppo, highlighting its strategic importance in the nation. The attack on the military graduation ceremony adds another dark chapter to the history of this historic city.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatility and dangers that continue to plague Syria, even as the nation strives for stability and recovery from years of conflict. The international community closely watches the situation, waiting for further developments and hoping for a swift resolution to the violence and unrest in the region.