Syrian authorities said they detained two men accused of plotting to attack the Homs oil refinery in central Syria, alleging a Hezbollah link that the Lebanese group denies.
The Internal Security Forces said intelligence agents monitored suspected activity before detaining the men in what officials called a preventive operation. The force said explosives intended for an attack were seized. Authorities have not released the two men’s identities or nationalities. The National reported that the refinery is one of Syria’s oldest oil terminals.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani held talks with Lebanese officials in Damascus on Monday, a day before the arrests. Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri led the group, Syria’s Foreign Ministry said. The ministry said the talks covered border security, coordination between the countries and tighter border controls.
Hezbollah said it had no connection to the detainees and urged Syrian authorities to guard against efforts that could inflame relations between Syria and Lebanon.
