DAMASCUS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- A drone attack on a graduation ceremony at a military academy in Syria's central Homs Province on Thursday killed at least 60 and injured dozens more, said a war monitor.
"More than 60 were dead, including military personnel and at least nine civilians," the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported, adding that the Syrian defense minister was present when the attack occurred.
In an early statement, the Syrian military said that weaponized drones launched an attack immediately after the conclusion of the graduation ceremony for Syrian military officers, causing casualties among military personnel and civilians.
Among the wounded, women and children were also reported, with some in critical condition.
While the Syrian military did not directly identify the responsible parties, it described them as "terrorist groups backed by known international parties" and pledged a strong and firm response.
Syria has experienced an increase in drone attacks in recent years, with rebel groups using drones to target government installations and infrastructure. Conversely, the Syrian government and its allies have also employed drones for offensive operations against rebel positions.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has resulted in significant casualties and has left the country divided, with government forces engaged in conflict against various rebel groups. ■
