Weaponized drones were employed in the assault, marking one of the deadliest attacks on a Syrian army installation.

This unprecedented use of weaponized drones adds a new dimension to the country's 12-year-long civil war, experts say.

The attack occurred at a military academy in the central province of Homs, resulting in casualties among both civilians and military personnel, as confirmed by Syria's defense ministry.

The ministry attributed the attack to "terrorist" groups utilizing drones. However, the statement did not specify the responsible organization, and as of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the assault.

In response to the attack, Syria's defense and foreign ministries have pledged to retaliate "with full force." Simultaneously, Syrian government forces conducted intensive bombing attacks on the opposition-held zone of Idlib throughout the day.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the attendance of Syria's defense minister at the graduation ceremony held at the military academy.

Notably, the minister left the scene just minutes before the drone attack, a move reportedly prompted by intelligence sources warning of an imminent threat. Details regarding the intelligence or the source of the warning remain undisclosed.

The deployment of weaponized drones in this attack introduces a concerning escalation in the tactics employed in Syria's protracted conflict.

Investigations are anticipated to determine the responsible parties behind this tragic event and to assess the broader implications for the ongoing dynamics in the region. (ILKHA)