A deadly explosion described by authorities as a 'terrorist explosion' ripped through a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday, killing at least eight people and wounding many more as they gathered for weekly prayers. The attack has been condemned by the Syrian government as a desperate attempt to spread chaos.
Chaos and Panic in Wadi al-Dahab
The blast struck the Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque, located in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood. Eyewitnesses described a scene of horror, with a loud explosion followed by widespread panic. Black smoke billowed over the area, and the sounds of ambulance sirens filled the air as emergency services rushed to the scene. Carpets and religious books were seen scattered in the aftermath.
A local resident told news agencies that the explosion caused immediate chaos. "No one dares to leave their house, and we are hearing ambulance sirens," he said, capturing the fear that gripped the neighbourhood following the attack.
Official Condemnation and Investigation
Syria's Interior Ministry confirmed the attack, stating it targeted the mosque during Friday prayers. The Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement, condemning what it called a 'cowardly criminal act' aimed at undermining the country's security and stability.
Authorities swiftly imposed a security cordon around the mosque. The state news agency, SANA, quoted a security source indicating that initial investigations point to explosive devices planted inside the mosque. Health officials provided a preliminary casualty toll of at least eight dead and 18 wounded.
A Troubled History and a Recurring Threat
The city of Homs witnessed intense sectarian violence during Syria's prolonged civil war, making it a sensitive location. This attack marks the second major assault on a place of worship in roughly a year since Islamist authorities assumed control. In June, a suicide bombing at a church in the capital, Damascus, killed 25 people.
Photos released by SANA from inside the damaged mosque showed a significant hole blown in one of the walls, illustrating the force of the blast. The investigation into identifying and pursuing the perpetrators is ongoing.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as details emerge.
