Syria foils Hezbollah-linked plot to attack key oil refinery

Syria claims to have thwarted a plot orchestrated by Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, aimed at targeting the Homs oil refinery. On Tuesday, the Internal Security Forces apprehended two individuals believed to be part of a Hezbollah cell. They confiscated explosive devices that were planned to be used in an attack. According to officials, this foiled operation was executed through meticulous surveillance, and the arrests formed part of a proactive measure undertaken by intelligence agents.

The identities and nationalities of the suspects remained undisclosed. It is noteworthy that Hezbollah, once a staunch ally of the previous government led by Bashar Al Assad, is currently not permitted in Syria under the rule of President Ahmad Al Shara. The Homs refinery, located in central Syria, is one of the nation's oldest oil terminals.

This arrest occurred on the day following a meeting between Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani and a Lebanese delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri in Damascus. The discussions revolved around enhancing bilateral relations, improving security coordination, and reinforcing border control measures. Since assuming power in 2024, Syria's administration has been diligently pursuing the identification of Assad supporters, consolidating its authority across the country, and assuring the US and the international community of its capability to eradicate militant groups.

Suspected Hezbollah operatives have frequently been the focus of such efforts. In late September, Syrian authorities arrested three Hezbollah-linked members and dismantled rocket launchers in their possession, according to Sana news agency. The launchers had been part of a Hezbollah "sabotage plot" in the Yarmouk River basin, and the launchers were subsequently fully dismantled.

The Hezbollah faction responded with a statement categorically denying any association with the detained individuals, urging Syrian authorities to remain vigilant against attempts to "escalate tension and create discord" between Lebanon and Syria.