DAMASCUS, Syria – A powerful explosion ripped through a major military arms depot in a government-controlled area of Syria on Friday, killing at least seven people and leaving more than 150 injured, according to state media reports and local medical sources.
The massive blast, which occurred in the early afternoon, sent a huge fireball and a column of black smoke billowing into the sky, shaking buildings miles away and causing widespread panic. The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear, but it has once again cast a spotlight on the volatile security situation in the war-torn country.
Emergency services and military personnel rushed to the scene, located in a rural area near the strategic city of Homs. First responders described a scene of devastation, with secondary explosions continuing for some time after the initial blast, hampering rescue efforts. Hospitals in Homs and the surrounding towns were overwhelmed with casualties, issuing urgent appeals for blood donations.
"The ground shook like an earthquake, and then we heard a deafening sound," recounted a resident from a nearby village to a local news outlet. "Our windows shattered instantly. We saw a giant mushroom cloud of smoke and fire. It was terrifying."
While state television has confirmed the casualty figures, it has not yet commented on the cause. Official sources are investigating whether the explosion was the result of a technical failure, negligence, or an act of sabotage.
However, such depots have frequently been the target of foreign airstrikes in the past. The incident bears the hallmarks of previous attacks attributed to Israel, which often targets Iranian-linked weapons shipments and military installations within Syria. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility from any party.
A doctor at a nearby hospital, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the chaotic influx of patients. "We are dealing with a mass casualty event," the source said. "The injuries range from severe burns and shrapnel wounds to trauma from the blast wave. Our resources are stretched to the limit."
The explosion is a devastating blow and highlights the ongoing dangers posed by the vast quantities of munitions stored across Syria after more than a decade of complex conflict. As rescue teams continue to sift through the rubble, officials have warned that the death toll is expected to rise.
