Syria

Drone attack on Syrian military academy kills scores in Homs

A drone attack on a Syrian military academy in the country’s western city of Homs has killed scores of people and left many others wounded.

Syria’s Health Ministry announced Friday that the number of “martyrs” from the terrorist attack that targeted a graduation ceremony had risen to 89, including 31 women and five children.

In a statement on its official channel on Telegram, the ministry put the number of injuries at 277.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Maqdad listed “terrorist groups supported by the United States” behind the attack in a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Fars news agency reported.

“The two foreign ministers emphasized the need for the serious determination of the international community and the cooperation of the countries of the region for a decisive and effective fight against the sinister phenomenon of terrorism,” it said.

The Syrian army confirmed that several drones” targeted “the graduation ceremony” attended by cadets’ families in Homs on Thursday.

It said that “armed terrorist organizations targeted the graduation ceremony e attack was carried out by “terrorist groups.”

Syria’s state television said the government announced a three-day state of mourning, starting on Friday. 

The Syrian armed forces said the attack was “unprecedented,” adding it was carried out by “explosive laden drones.”

The army promised to respond “with full force and determination, warning that those who planned and executed the attack “will pay dearly.”

“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 defense ministry said in a separate statement.

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