Explosion in Homs Mosque Kills at Least Eight Amid Friday Prayers

Local Syrian sources reported that yesterday, during Friday prayers, an explosion occurred inside the Imam Ali Mosque in the city of Homs. Initial reports indicate that the blast left at least eight dead and several injured, although casualty figures vary among different sources.

According to these sources, the explosion took place in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs, a densely populated area that was crowded with worshippers during Friday prayers. Syria’s Al-Ikhbariya network reported that a homemade explosive device was planted in a corner of the mosque, where the congregation was most concentrated.

Following the incident, security forces affiliated with the ruling administration in Syria cordoned off the area, temporarily restricting movement around the mosque. Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device placed inside the mosque.

In response to the attack, the Taliban administration’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the explosion at Imam Ali Mosque in Homs, describing it as a violent act against civilians. The statement mentioned dozens killed and injured and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

The Taliban ministry also expressed solidarity with the Syrian government and people and emphasized support for the wounded. Meanwhile, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack in a separate statement and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims.

Ammar al-Hakim, head of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, called for ensuring the security of all Syrian citizens regardless of their religious or tribal affiliations. Al-Azhar University in Egypt also released a separate statement condemning the explosion as a violent act against civilians and stressed the solidarity of the Syrian people against such attacks.

According to international news agencies, a group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunna has claimed responsibility for the blast and threatened to continue attacks against religious minorities in Syria. Meanwhile, a Syrian ruling administration official identified ISIS as the group behind the incident, highlighting the uncertainty in identifying the perpetrators and underscoring the significant challenges in ensuring the safety of civilian residents in the country.