Drone Attack on Syrian Military Academy in Homs Leaves Hundreds Dead or Injured

The drones laden with explosives hit a military college graduation ceremony in the western Syrian city of Homs on Thursday.

"Eighty people, including six children and six women, were martyred, and 240 people were injured as a result of this terrorist act," revealed Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabash.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Maqdad, in a phone conversation with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian, attributed the attack to "terrorist groups supported by the United States," as reported by the Foreign Ministry's media channel.

They stressed the necessity of international determination and regional cooperation in combating terrorism.

The Syrian army confirmed that the attack targeted a "graduation ceremony" attended by cadets' families, specifying that it was carried out by "terrorist groups."

Syria's state television announced a three-day state of mourning starting on Friday, while the Syrian armed forces termed the attack "unprecedented," carried out by "explosive-laden drones." The army vowed a robust response and consequences for those responsible.

The defense ministry revealed that many wounded soldiers and invited families, including women and children, were among the casualties.

This incident follows Syrian army operations against terrorist bases and arms depots in the northwestern Province of Idlib, with no group yet claiming responsibility for the drone attack.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry has called for condemnation of the terrorist act by the UN Security Council, but UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the drone attack and retaliatory actions by what he referred to as pro-government forces.

Observers believe the attack originated from areas northwest of Homs, occurring shortly after Syrian army operations against terrorist elements in Idlib, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists, including high-profile commanders.