At least eight killed in Syria mosque blast, authorities launch probe

Damascus: A bombing at a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday killed at least eight people and injured more than 20 others, authorities said. The Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque, located in the predominantly Alawite Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood, was targeted during Friday prayers.

Images released by Syria’s state-run media showed blood-stained carpets, shattered windows, damaged walls, and fire marks inside the mosque. Preliminary investigations indicate that explosive devices were planted inside the building, and authorities are searching for the perpetrators. A security cordon has been set up around the site.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly criminal act” and a “desperate attempt to undermine security and stability and spread chaos among the Syrian people.”

The ministry said it remains committed to combating terrorism in all forms and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.

“Such crimes will not deter the Syrian state from continuing its efforts to consolidate security, protect citizens, and hold those involved accountable,” the ministry added.

The bombing comes amid rising tensions across Syria, where sectarian, ethnic, and political divisions continue to threaten stability despite a reduction in large-scale fighting. In recent weeks, clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have erupted in northern Aleppo, prompting school closures and forcing civilians to stay indoors.

Syria has seen several waves of sectarian violence since the fall of President Bashar Assad, with attacks by insurgent groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham contributing to instability. Assad, an Alawite, fled to Russia last year, and members of his community have faced repeated attacks and crackdowns.