A powerful explosion struck the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, Syria, during Friday prayers, killing at least eight people and injuring 18 others. The blast occurred in a residential neighborhood, where worshippers had gathered for the weekly service, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the war-torn country.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the explosion shattered windows, damaged walls, and threw worshippers to the ground. Emergency responders rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals, where medical teams treated injuries ranging from shrapnel wounds to fractures. Local authorities quickly secured the area and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blast.
Syrian officials condemned the attack as a terrorist act aimed at destabilizing the country, calling it a “cowardly assault on civilians and sacred spaces.” Authorities pledged to pursue those responsible and ensure accountability.
A previously unknown extremist group reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing, though investigators continue to verify the claim. The attack comes amid a backdrop of lingering extremist activity and sectarian tensions, despite relative reductions in large-scale military operations in recent years.
The mosque, located in a neighborhood with a significant Alawite population, has long been a symbol of the local community. In the aftermath, hundreds of mourners gathered outside, holding prayers and funeral processions for the victims. The attack has left residents anxious and fearful, illustrating the fragility of security even in areas that are not frontline conflict zones.
International reactions were swift, with global and regional leaders condemning the bombing and urging accountability. The United Nations highlighted the attack as a violation of civilian protections and called for continued efforts to stabilize Syria and prevent further attacks on places of worship.
This incident underscores that, despite ongoing peace and reconstruction efforts, extremist violence remains a significant threat. For residents of Homs and other affected areas, the blast is a sobering reminder of the insecurity that continues to shape daily life in Syria.
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