Syria arrests 2 over alleged Hezbollah refinery plot, intelligence says
Syria’s intelligence service says it seized explosive devices in an operation against an alleged plot targeting the Homs oil refinery. Hezbollah denies the accusation and says it has no presence in Syria.
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Syria’s General Intelligence Service says it foiled a plot against the Homs oil refinery and arrested 2 people it alleges belonged to a cell affiliated with Lebanon’s Hezbollah armed group. The service identified the detainees only as M S and B Sh.
Hezbollah fought alongside former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces during the civil war. Its relations with Damascus deteriorated sharply after Assad was overthrown in 2024.
Devices seized, intelligence service says
The intelligence service said it conducted the operation with Syria’s Internal Security Forces and seized explosive devices from the detainees that had been prepared for the alleged plot. Al Jazeera said the service did not disclose when or where the operation took place.
Homs is one of Syria’s 2 oil refineries and plays a key role in supplying petroleum products. L’Orient Today said it is the country’s only functioning refinery, with the Baniyas refinery undergoing maintenance.
Hezbollah denies involvement
Hezbollah denied the accusation, saying it has no presence in Syria and is not involved in activities that undermine the country’s security and stability.
Syrian authorities have also accused Hezbollah of involvement in alleged assassination plots, rocket attacks and arms smuggling. Hezbollah rejects the Syrian allegations and says it no longer operates in the country.
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