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Syria Claims Foiled Hezbollah Plot Against Homs Oil Refinery
Confirmed
In Short: Syrian authorities announced on Tuesday that they had foiled a plot by a cell affiliated with Lebanon's Hezbollah to target the Homs oil refinery.
Syrian authorities announced on Tuesday that they had foiled a plot by a cell affiliated with Lebanon's Hezbollah to target the Homs oil refinery. The Internal Security Forces said several members of the cell were arrested during the operation.
The Homs refinery, located in central Syria, is the only operational one in the country, which has been devastated by more than a decade of civil war that ended in late 2024. The facility plays a crucial role in securing petroleum derivatives for the domestic market.
Hezbollah denied the accusations, stating that it has no presence or connections in Syrian territory and has nothing to do with any activity that undermined Syria's security and stability. The group also urged Syrian authorities to guard against efforts to 'sow discord' between the two countries.
Syria's Internal Security Forces said the operation resulted in the arrest of the involved cell members and the seizure of explosive devices in their possession, prepared for use to target the refinery. The cell was reportedly planning to attack the Homs refinery, which is located about 20 kilometers from the Lebanese border.
The Homs refinery, established in 1959, covers an area of about four square kilometers and is described as Syria's first oil refining refinery. It is situated seven kilometers west of the city of Homs.
The announcement comes after a series of unclaimed attacks against oil and gas pipelines across several parts of Syria. In early October, Damascus reported sabotage attacks first against an oil pipeline and then a gas one.
Syria's Internal Security Forces said the operation was part of efforts 'to pursue terrorist cells, foil their plans, and protect vital facilities and the country’s economic resources.'
Hezbollah fought alongside former President Bashar al-Assad’s forces during Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war but relations with Damascus have deteriorated sharply since his overthrow in 2024.
What's confirmed
- Syria Says Foiled Hezbollah-Linked Plot to Bomb Oil Refinery Syrian authorities said on Tuesday they had prevented a sabotage attempt against an important refinery by figures linked to Lebanon's Hezbollah group, which denied the accusation.
- Domestic intelligence and security forces "foiled a terrorist plot by a cell affiliated with the Hezbollah militia that was targeting the Homs refinery", the security forces said in a statement.
- The announcement comes after a series of unclaimed attacks against oil and gas pipelines across several parts of Syria.
- The Homs refinery, in central Syria, is the only operational one in a country devastated by more than a decade of civil war that ended in late 2024.
- Another refinery, on the coast at Banias, is undergoing maintenance.
- The Lebanese group took part in Syria's war on the side of the since-overthrown Bashar al-Assad, fighting against those now in power in Damascus and earning their ongoing enmity.
- On Sunday, Syrian news agency SANA reported a foiled plot against the refinery, while in early October Damascus reported sabotage attacks first against an oil pipeline and then a gas one.
- Syrian security forces have said they foiled a plot to target the Homs oil refinery in central Syria, arresting a cell affiliated with Lebanon’s Hezbollah armed group.
- Hezbollah fought alongside former President Bashar al-Assad’s forces during Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war, but relations with Damascus have deteriorated sharply since his overthrow in 2024.
- What happened : Syria’s Internal Security Forces said in a statement published Tuesday that several members of the cell were arrested during the operation, which was carried out in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.