Syria military academy attack: At least 100 killed

SGGPO 10/06/2023 11:51

The Syrian government has confirmed that around 100 people were killed in an attack on a military academy in Homs province, accusing “terrorist” groups of using drones to carry out the attack.

Health Minister Hassan al-Ghobash said preliminary figures showed 80 people were killed, including six women and six children, with about 240 injured.

Meanwhile, figures from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that 112 people were killed, including 21 civilians, and 120 people were injured in the incident.

Hiện trường vụ tấn công bằng thiết bị bay không người lái tại một học viện quân sự ở tỉnh Homs, Syria. Nguồn: REUTERS ảnh 1

The scene of a drone attack on a military academy in Homs province, Syria. Source: REUTERS

In a statement, the Syrian Defense Ministry said that many civilians and military personnel were killed in the attack on a military academy in Homs province, and accused "terrorist" groups of using drones to carry out the attack.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed particular concern over the attack.

Speaking to the press on October 5, the spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Stephane Dujarric, said that Mr. Guterres strongly condemned all forms of violence in Syria and urged all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law.

Những người bị thương trong vụ tấn công được điều trị tại bệnh viện ở Homs, ngày 5-10-2023. Ảnh: AFP/TTXVN ảnh 2

People injured in the attack are treated at a hospital in Homs, October 5, 2023. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

In a statement issued the same day in Geneva, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Geir Pedersen, also expressed concern about the escalating violence in this Middle Eastern country.

He said the latest developments continue to reflect the instability in Syria and warned that the situation there will continue to worsen without an effective political solution.

He called on all parties to exercise utmost restraint, stressing the need for an immediate reduction in violence, a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to combating terrorist groups.

"All parties must respect their obligations under international law and ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure," he said.

In a statement, the Syrian Defense Ministry and Foreign Ministry said they would do their utmost to respond to the attack. The government announced three days of mourning for the victims, starting on October 6.

Source