An explosion at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs killed at least six people and injured more than 20 during Friday prayers, state media reported. Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed worshippers fleeing and victims being evacuated to ambulances. Officials say the blast may have been caused by a suicide bomber or planted explosives, and no group has claimed responsibility. Observers warned the attack on an Alawite place of worship could inflame sectarian tensions amid a recent rise in ISIL activity.
Explosion at Homs Mosque Kills At Least Six, Wounds Dozens — Sectarian Fears Raised
A member of the Syrian security forces at a checkpoint in Homs in 2024 [File: Leo Correa/AP]
At least six people were killed and more than 20 others were injured when an explosion struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood of Homs during Friday prayers, state news agency SANA reported.
Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed worshippers fleeing in panic, some victims placed on stretchers and others, wrapped in cloaks, carried to waiting ambulances. Local residents and first responders worked to evacuate the wounded amid smoke and debris.
The blast appears to have detonated in a corner of the mosque's main prayer hall, leaving a small crater in the wall and scorching nearby surfaces. Prayer carpets were torn and scattered, and books and fragments littered the floor.
Local officials speaking to Reuters said the explosion may have been caused by a suicide bomber or by explosives planted inside the building. State media said security forces imposed a cordon around the site and opened an investigation.
Ayman Oghanna, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Aleppo, said Homs is home to Alawites, Christians and Sunni Muslims and described the mosque as an Alawite place of worship. He warned the attack could inflame sectarian tensions across Syria. No group has claimed responsibility for the strike.
Oghanna also noted a recent uptick in ISIL-related activity in Syria and said government forces recently arrested three suspected ISIL members near Aleppo. Last week the United States struck ISIL positions in Syria in retaliation for the killings of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Damascus has said it joined a global anti-ISIL coalition in November, pledging to eliminate remaining ISIL elements.
The attack highlights the fragile security situation in Syria as authorities in Damascus seek to reassert control over the country. Investigations are ongoing and local officials have appealed for calm while probes continue.
Sources
SANA, Reuters, Al Jazeera.
