Explosion / Bomb Attack on Syrian Mosque Leaves Eight Dead, Dozens Injured
·3 months ago·2 min read
Key Points
- An explosion inside an Alawite mosque in Homs, Syria, killed at least eight and injured over 20.
- The blast occurred during Friday noon prayers, one of the busiest weekly prayer times.
- Preliminary investigations indicate explosive devices were planted inside the mosque.
Homs, Dec 26: An explosion ripped through an Alawite mosque in the Syrian city of Homs during Friday prayers, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 20 others, officials said.
The blast occurred inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib mosque at noon, one of the busiest prayer times of the week, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA. Najib al-Naasan, a Health Ministry official, said 21 people were injured, adding that the toll was preliminary and could rise.
Images released by state media showed extensive damage inside the mosque, including blood-stained carpets, shattered windows, holes in the walls and signs of fire. The mosque is located in Wadi al-Dhahab, a predominantly Alawite neighbourhood of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city.
Citing a security source, SANA reported that preliminary investigations indicate explosive devices were planted inside the mosque. A security cordon was imposed around the site as authorities launched a search for those responsible, the Interior Ministry said.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry later condemned the attack, describing it as a terrorist act aimed at undermining stability and targeting civilians. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to combating terrorism and pledged to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and hold the perpetrators accountable. Condolences were extended to the families of those killed, and wishes for a speedy recovery were conveyed to the injured.
The explosion comes amid heightened tensions across Syria, where sectarian, ethnic and political divisions continue to fuel sporadic violence despite a decline in large-scale fighting.
Also Read: India Reiterates Support for Free, Fair Polls in Bangladesh Amid Tarique Rahman’s Return
In recent months, Syria has witnessed multiple incidents of sectarian unrest. In March, clashes triggered by an ambush on security forces led to several days of violence that left hundreds dead, most of them from the Alawite community. Earlier this week, intermittent fighting between government forces and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces was reported in parts of northern Aleppo, prompting temporary closures of schools and public institutions before a ceasefire was announced later in the day.
The blast occurred inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib mosque at noon, one of the busiest prayer times of the week, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA. Najib al-Naasan, a Health Ministry official, said 21 people were injured, adding that the toll was preliminary and could rise.
Images released by state media showed extensive damage inside the mosque, including blood-stained carpets, shattered windows, holes in the walls and signs of fire. The mosque is located in Wadi al-Dhahab, a predominantly Alawite neighbourhood of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city.
Citing a security source, SANA reported that preliminary investigations indicate explosive devices were planted inside the mosque. A security cordon was imposed around the site as authorities launched a search for those responsible, the Interior Ministry said.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry later condemned the attack, describing it as a terrorist act aimed at undermining stability and targeting civilians. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to combating terrorism and pledged to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and hold the perpetrators accountable. Condolences were extended to the families of those killed, and wishes for a speedy recovery were conveyed to the injured.
The explosion comes amid heightened tensions across Syria, where sectarian, ethnic and political divisions continue to fuel sporadic violence despite a decline in large-scale fighting.
Also Read: India Reiterates Support for Free, Fair Polls in Bangladesh Amid Tarique Rahman’s Return
In recent months, Syria has witnessed multiple incidents of sectarian unrest. In March, clashes triggered by an ambush on security forces led to several days of violence that left hundreds dead, most of them from the Alawite community. Earlier this week, intermittent fighting between government forces and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces was reported in parts of northern Aleppo, prompting temporary closures of schools and public institutions before a ceasefire was announced later in the day.
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