Explosion at Homs Mosque During Friday Prayers Kills Eight

An explosion during Friday prayers at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, Syria, resulted in eight fatalities and 18 injuries, according to the health ministry. The mosque, located in the predominantly Alawite Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, sustained significant damage, with images showing blackened walls, shattered windows, and bloodstained carpets.

Authorities believe the blast was caused by an explosive device detonated inside the mosque. The extremist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was carried out in collaboration with another unidentified group using planted explosives. This group, which emerged in early 2025, has previously claimed responsibility for attacks targeting religious minorities, including a church bombing near Damascus in June.

Syria's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, describing it as a "cowardly act" aimed at undermining the country's security and stability. The Alawite community, an offshoot of Shia Islam, has faced increased violence and persecution since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. In March, reports indicated that security forces were accused of killing dozens of Alawites in the coastal province of Latakia.

The attack underscores the ongoing sectarian tensions in Syria, with Alawite communities increasingly targeted in the aftermath of the regime change. The international community has called for measures to protect religious minorities and prevent further violence.