A bombing during Friday prayers at a mosque in Homs, Syria, resulted in the death of at least eight individuals and left 18 others injured, as reported by authorities. The Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, predominantly inhabited by the Alawite minority, suffered significant damage, with bloodstains on the carpets, walls riddled with holes, shattered windows, and fire damage visible in images released by Syria’s state-run Arab News Agency (SANA).
Preliminary investigations, according to a security source cited by SANA, suggest that explosive devices were concealed inside the mosque, prompting a search for the perpetrators. The Syria Interior Ministry announced the imposition of a security cordon around the mosque for further investigation.
Ongoing tensions in various parts of Syria have exacerbated existing sectarian, ethnic, and political divisions, leading to instability despite reduced large-scale conflict. Since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, the country has witnessed multiple waves of sectarian violence, particularly targeting Alawites, the sect to which Assad belongs.
In response to the attack, local officials denounced the incident as part of continuous efforts to disrupt security and instigate chaos among the Syrian populace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Syria’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms.
The Syrian information minister highlighted the convergence of remnants of the previous regime, ISIS militants, and collaborators in obstructing the establishment of a stable state, threatening civil peace, and undermining the shared history of coexistence among Syrians.
Neighboring nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon, joined in condemning the attack, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressing solidarity with Syria in its anti-terrorism endeavors. Recent clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led fighters in Aleppo led to the closure of schools and public institutions, prompting civilians to seek shelter. A ceasefire was subsequently declared by both parties as part of de-escalation efforts.