Explosion at Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque Kills Eight in Syria’s Homs

Explosion at Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque Kills Eight in Syria’s Homs
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Eight people were killed and at least 18 others wounded when an explosion struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib mosque, used by Syria’s Alawite sect, in the central city of Homs during Friday prayers, Syrian state media reported, citing health officials, according to Reuters.

Syrian authorities said the blast was caused by an explosive device detonated inside the mosque at midday, when worshippers were gathered. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area as emergency teams evacuated the wounded and searched the site for further threats, officials from the city’s press office said.

An ultra-conservative Sunni Muslim group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, claimed responsibility for the attack through messages posted on its Telegram channels. The group has previously said it carried out a suicide bombing at a church in Damascus in June that killed 20 people, raising renewed concerns over sectarian violence.

The Supreme Alawite Islamic Council condemned the bombing, warning of escalating attacks against the Alawite community and accusing authorities of failing to ensure protection. Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the incident as a terrorist crime, while several regional countries also issued condemnations amid growing instability.