Syria says it foiled Hezbollah plot to target Homs oil refinery

What the report says

Syrian security authorities said on 3 November 2026 that they disrupted an alleged plot to attack the Homs oil refinery in central Syria and detained a cell they linked to Hezbollah. According to Syria’s General Intelligence Service, the operation was carried out with the Internal Security Forces and led to the seizure of explosive devices that officials said were meant for the attack. The agency identified two detainees by initials only and did not give details on when or exactly where the arrests took place.

Hezbollah rejected the accusation, saying it has no presence in Syria and is not involved in any activity that would undermine the country’s security. The exchange comes against a backdrop of strained ties between the group and Damascus after Hezbollah fought alongside Bashar al-Assad’s forces during Syria’s civil war, while Syria has also accused the group of other alleged plots in the past.

The Homs refinery is one of Syria’s two main oil refineries, alongside the Baniyas facility, and is important to the country’s fuel supply. The reported foiling of the plot highlights the continuing security risks facing Syria’s energy infrastructure, which has been hit by disruptions and attacks in recent months. In a separate announcement, Syrian authorities also said they detained two suspected ISIL members in Deir Az Zor over alleged assassinations, underscoring the wider challenge posed by armed groups operating in parts of the country.