Syrian security forces have arrested members of a cell linked to Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah that was accused of planning an attack on the Homs oil refinery in central Syria, the state news agency SANA reported on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
Source: Reuters
Syria's intelligence agency and internal security forces seized explosive devices intended for use in the attack, SANA said, citing a statement by the security forces. The report did not say how many people were arrested, or when the alleged plot was uncovered.
Hezbollah denied the Syrian accusations in a statement, reiterating that it does not have any presence on Syrian territory and is not involved in any activity that undermines the security and stability of Syria, Reuters reported in an updated account of the announcement.
A second Syrian announcement the same day
In a separate statement reported the same day, Syria's interior authority said it had foiled a major plot targeting senior government figures and dismantled an organised cell allegedly linked to Hezbollah, after simultaneous raids in the provinces of Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Tartous and Latakia. It said preliminary investigations indicated the group had entered Syria about two months ago after receiving intensive specialised training in southern Lebanon, including the use of drones and explosives, and was preparing a series of attacks, including assassinations of high-ranking officials. It gave no number of arrestees and no identities of the officials allegedly targeted.
Source: China Daily Asia
Why the Homs refinery matters
The Homs refinery is one of Syria's main oil-processing facilities and a key supplier of fuel to the domestic market, Reuters said. That is why an alleged plot against it carries weight beyond a routine arrest announcement: fuel supply remains one of the most sensitive pressure points in post-war Syria.
Allies in war, accusers since Assad's fall
Hezbollah fought alongside Bashar al-Assad's forces during Syria's nearly 14-year civil war. Since Assad was overthrown in December 2024, however, Syria's new authorities have repeatedly accused Hezbollah of involvement in alleged plots on Syrian territory, including planned assassinations, rocket attacks and arms smuggling. Hezbollah has repeatedly denied involvement in security incidents and militant activities in Syria.
What is solid
- Syria announced the arrests on Tuesday through its state agency SANA, as reported by Reuters
- Syrian forces say explosive devices were seized; no arrest numbers were given
- Hezbollah issued a denial, saying it has no presence on Syrian territory
What is only claimed
- Whether the arrested cell was linked to Hezbollah and planning to attack the Homs refinery — Syria alleges it; Hezbollah denies it
- Whether a separate cell trained in southern Lebanon was preparing assassinations of officials — alleged by Syria's interior authority, not independently verified
What happens next
Neither Syrian claim has been independently verified, and Damascus has not yet published evidence, names or charges. What to watch is whether Syria releases details of the alleged refinery plot, whether those arrested are produced in court, and whether Hezbollah or Lebanese officials respond further — another test of how far the once-close Damascus–Hezbollah relationship has broken down since December 2024.