Syria says it foiled plot against Homs oil refinery

Syrian security forces say they have foiled a plot targeting the Homs oil refinery in central Syria and arrested two people they link to Hezbollah. The General Intelligence Service said the operation was carried out with the Internal Security Forces. It said explosive devices were seized during what it described as a pre-emptive security operation.

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The service identified the two detainees only by their initials, M S and B Sh. It did not give the exact time or location of the arrests. It said the devices found in their possession had been prepared to carry out the alleged plot.

Hezbollah denied the accusations and said it has no presence on Syrian territory. In a statement, it also rejected any involvement in activity that would undermine Syria's security and stability. The allegation comes as Damascus and Hezbollah have been at odds since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

The Homs refinery is one of Syria's two oil refineries, alongside the Baniyas refinery, and it plays an important role in supplying petroleum products. Any threat to the facility carries significance because it is part of the country's energy infrastructure. The case also fits a wider pattern of Syrian authorities accusing armed groups of plotting attacks, assassinations and smuggling operations.

Hezbollah fought alongside Assad's forces during Syria's nearly 14-year civil war, but relations with the new authorities have deteriorated sharply since his removal. Syrian authorities have previously accused the group of involvement in alleged plots against the state. Those accusations have added to tensions between Damascus and the Lebanese armed group at a time when Syria is still dealing with security threats in several parts of the country.

The authorities have not said what evidence they have beyond the seized devices, and they have not disclosed whether the suspects have been formally charged. It is also unclear whether the refinery itself was under any immediate threat beyond the alleged plan described by the security service. Further official details, including the outcome of the investigation, are expected to determine how serious the case is judged to be.

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