Daijiworld Media Network - Damascus

Damascus, Oct 1: At least seven people were killed and four others injured after attackers opened fire on a passenger bus in northwestern Syria late Wednesday, state media reported.

The attack took place near the Masyaf Bridge in the western Syrian province of Homs, according to state-run SANA news agency.

The victims were employees of a company who were returning home from work, authorities said. First responders shifted the injured to hospitals in Homs, while security forces launched an investigation at the scene.

Blood stains and broken glass were found inside the bus following the attack. The motive behind the shooting was not immediately known, and no group has claimed responsibility. Syrian authorities have not identified any suspects.

Homs Internal Security Forces Commander Brigadier General Bassem Mohammad Shaaban described the incident as an attempt to undermine security in Homs and destabilise measures taken to strengthen security across the governorate.

Syrian authorities continue to face security challenges following more than 13 years of war and the fall of the Assad dynasty in late 2024. Authorities have reported foiling several planned attacks and operations by armed cells, although deadly shootings and explosions have continued in Damascus and other parts of the country.