A powerful explosion ripped through an Alawite mosque in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday, resulting in multiple casualties. The blast has sent shockwaves through the community, marking another tragic incident in the war-torn nation.
Casualty Figures and Official Statement
The Syrian state news agency SANA reported the incident, citing a statement from a Health Ministry official. Najib al-Naasan confirmed that the explosion killed at least five people. Furthermore, he stated that 21 others were wounded in the violent incident.
Officials have labeled these numbers as a preliminary toll, strongly indicating that the casualty figures could increase as rescue operations continue and more information becomes available. The explosion occurred on 26 December 2025.
Location and Community Impact
The attack targeted a place of worship for the Alawite community in Homs, a city that has seen significant conflict during Syria's prolonged civil war. Attacks on religious sites are particularly sensitive and can exacerbate sectarian tensions in the region.
Homs, often referred to as the "capital of the revolution" in the early stages of the conflict, has been a battleground for various factions. While the city has experienced relative calm in recent years, this explosion is a grim reminder of the persistent instability and security challenges facing Syria.
Ongoing Investigation and Regional Context
Details regarding the nature of the explosion or the perpetrators behind it were not immediately clear from the initial reports. Syrian authorities are likely to launch an investigation to determine the cause—whether it was a planted explosive device or another method of attack.
This incident adds to the long list of violent events in Syria, where despite a reduction in large-scale warfare, sporadic attacks and explosions continue to claim lives. The international community remains concerned about the security vacuum and the humanitarian situation in parts of the country.
The attack on the Alawite mosque in Homs underscores the fragile state of security and the deep wounds that continue to afflict Syrian society years into the conflict.
