Syrian Observatory for Human Rights: Death toll from explosions in Hama reaches 28

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that during the explosions that occurred last week at an airbase in Hama, 'at least 28 pro-government Syrian forces' have been killed. According to reports from May 17, a series of explosions occurred in a weapons depot in Hama, the exact source or reason for which is still unclear. The explosions took place amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. Iran has military forces in Syria and supports thousands of Shiite militias stationed in the country. The British television network 'Sky News' in Arabic claimed that forces affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps were among the casualties from the explosions. This network alleged that missiles from the Iranian 'Bavar 373' system, which is part of the military equipment of Iranian-affiliated forces and militias in Hama, were damaged in these explosions. However, Syrian state television attributed the possible cause of the explosions to a 'technical malfunction' or a fire due to the heat. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also suggested that a technical malfunction may have caused the incident. Shortly after the explosions, the Observatory estimated the death toll at 11. This organization, based in London, now states that the number of victims has increased to at least 28 from 'government forces and their supporters.' However, contrary to the claims of Sky News, this organization states that all the casualties from the explosions are 'Syrian citizens.' Nevertheless, Rami Abdulrahman, the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP that due to the 'presence of Iranian forces and Hezbollah' at this base, it is possible that foreign casualties may also be reported. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, due to the presence of dozens of injured individuals, some in critical condition, there is a possibility of an increase in the death toll.