Death toll from drone attack on Syrian military academy rises to 80

DAMASCUS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabbash confirmed on Thursday that the death toll resulting from a drone attack on a military academy in Homs province has risen to 80, with an additional 240 people injured.

The minister also expressed concerns that the casualty count may continue to rise.

In an earlier statement, the Syrian military said weaponized drones launched an attack immediately after a graduation ceremony for Syrian military officers at the academy, causing casualties among military personnel and civilians.

While the Syrian military did not identify the responsible parties, it described them as "terrorist groups backed by known international parties" and pledged a strong and firm response.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said over 78 were killed and dozens more injured in the attack, adding that the Syrian defense minister was present when the attack occurred but wasn't affected by the attack.

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.