At least 66 people, including military personnel and civilians, were killed and 190 others wounded in a drone attack on a military academy in Syria’s central province of Homs on Thursday, according to a medical source and the pro-government media outlet.
An anonymous medical source in Homs told Xinhua that at least 66 people have been confirmed dead after the attack. The number is also confirmed by the pro-government Sham FM radio.
In a statement, the Syrian military said weaponized drones launched an attack immediately after a graduation ceremony for Syrian military officers, causing casualties among military personnel and civilians, but did not provide the exact number of casualties.
Among the wounded, women and children were also reported, with some in critical condition, the statement added.
While the Syrian military did not identify the responsible parties, it described them as “terrorist groups backed by known international parties” and pledged a strong and firm response.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said over 60 were killed and dozens more injured in the attack, adding that the Syrian defense minister was present when the attack occurred.
Ambulances were seen rushing to the site of the attack to transport the injured to local hospitals, the UK-based war monitor added.
Syria has experienced an increase in drone attacks in recent years, with rebel groups using drones to target government installations and infrastructure. Conversely, the Syrian government and its allies have also employed drones for offensive operations against rebel positions.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has resulted in significant casualties and has left the country divided, with government forces engaged in conflict against various rebel groups.
