By In a tragic incident during a graduation ceremony at a military college in Syria’s Homs province, a drone attack claimed the lives of at least 100 people and left 240 others wounded, as reported by a war monitor and the Syrian health minister.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated a death toll of over 100 and 125 individuals injured, while an official allied with Syria’s government estimated the toll to be around 100.
Health Minister Hassan Al-Ghabash provided a lower figure, stating that 80 people, including six children, lost their lives, and about 240 sustained injuries. Concerns lingered that the death toll might escalate further due to the severe conditions of many wounded.
As of now, no group or entity has claimed responsibility for this devastating attack. Syria’s military reported that explosive-laden drones targeted the ceremony as it concluded. The military issued a statement accusing fighters allegedly backed by international forces for this assault.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern regarding the drone attack and subsequent retaliatory shelling in northwest Syria. This shocking event has provoked a significant reaction on the international stage, prompting discussions and diplomatic efforts to address the escalating tensions.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Syria’s defence minister, who fortunately left just moments before the attack, according to sources. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene, with casualties strewn across the grounds after the explosives hit the courtyard. This attack represents a major security breach and a significant blow to the Syrian regime.
Shortly after the ceremony attack, airstrikes targeted residential areas in opposition-controlled enclaves in northwest Syria. Tragically, at least six people, including a woman and child, were killed, and 40 others were wounded in these subsequent attacks on Idlib province. This escalation has further exacerbated an already tense situation in the region.
In a separate incident, the United States reported shooting down an armed Turkish drone operating near its troops in northeast Syria. If confirmed to be Turkish, this marks the first time Washington has downed an aircraft belonging to a NATO ally, sparking discussions and inquiries between the two nations.
Tensions persist between the US-allied Kurdish-led Syrian forces and Turkey, particularly due to the former’s association with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Recent events, including the Ankara bomb attack, have led to an escalation in violence and airstrikes in the region, adding to the complex geopolitical landscape of the Syrian conflict.
As investigations continue into these distressing incidents, the international community closely watches the situation, hoping for stability and peace in the war-torn region.
