Syria Says It Foiled Hezbollah Plot to Attack Homs Oil Refinery

Syrian security forces say they have foiled an alleged plot by a cell linked to Lebanon’s Hezbollah to attack the Homs oil refinery, arresting suspects and seizing explosives reportedly prepared for the operation.

The General Intelligence Service, working with the country’s Internal Security Forces, carried out the operation, according to a statement published by Syria’s state news agency, SANA, on Tuesday, November 3.

Authorities said members of the suspected cell were arrested and explosive devices intended for use against the refinery were recovered. The security agencies described the operation as a pre-emptive action aimed at preventing an attack on the facility.

Al Jazeera reported that Syrian intelligence identified two of the arrested suspects by their initials, M.S. and B.Sh. However, officials have not provided extensive details about the suspects, the precise timing of the arrests or how the alleged operation was uncovered.

Hezbollah has rejected the accusations, saying it has no presence on Syrian territory and is not involved in activities that threaten Syria’s security or stability.

The announcement follows an earlier statement on Sunday, November 1, when Syria’s General Intelligence Service first disclosed that it had disrupted a plot against the refinery without identifying those allegedly responsible.

The Homs refinery is one of Syria’s two principal oil-processing facilities, alongside the Baniyas refinery. It plays an important role in supplying petroleum products, including diesel, fuel oil and kerosene, to the domestic market.

The alleged plot comes amid growing concerns over the security of Syria’s energy infrastructure. On October 15, a pipeline transporting petroleum products from Baniyas to Homs was damaged near the village of Hadida in western Homs countryside, causing a fuel leak, according to Syrian state media.

A gas pipeline in the northeastern province of Hasakah was also damaged in an explosion on the same day, triggering a fire and requiring emergency repairs.

Relations between Damascus and Hezbollah have deteriorated since the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Hezbollah had been a major military ally of Assad during Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war, deploying fighters to support his government.

Since the change of government, Syrian authorities have repeatedly accused the Lebanese group of maintaining networks inside the country and involvement in alleged security operations, including planned rocket attacks, assassinations and arms smuggling.

The latest allegations add to tensions between the two sides, although Hezbollah continues to deny operating in Syria.

Syrian authorities have not announced any damage to the Homs refinery in connection with the alleged plot.