At least eight people were killed and 18 others injured after an explosion struck a mosque during Friday prayers in the Syrian city of Homs, according to the country’s health ministry. The incident has renewed concerns over security and sectarian tensions in Syria, which continues to grapple with instability following years of conflict and recent political upheaval.
The blast occurred inside the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque, located in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood of Homs. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the explosion, evacuating the injured to nearby hospitals and securing the surrounding area.
Images released by Syria’s state-run news agency showed visible damage inside the mosque, including shattered windows, scorched walls, and debris scattered across the prayer hall. Authorities said preliminary findings suggest an explosive device was detonated inside the building, though investigations are ongoing to determine how it was planted and who was directly involved.
A security source cited by state media said efforts were under way to identify and apprehend those responsible. Meanwhile, an extremist group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility for the attack through online statements. The group alleged that it carried out the bombing in coordination with another unidentified faction, using explosives placed at the site.
The claim has not been independently verified, and Syrian authorities have not officially confirmed the group’s involvement. Analysts note that Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah remains a shadowy organization with unclear leadership and structure. The group first gained wider attention earlier this year after claiming responsibility for a deadly attack on a church in Damascus.
Some regional security observers have raised questions about the group’s authenticity and possible connections, pointing out similarities between its statements and tactics and those used by the Islamic State group. However, no conclusive evidence has been presented to establish direct links.
The mosque targeted in the attack is located in an area largely inhabited by members of the Alawite community, a religious minority in Syria. The Alawites have faced growing concerns over safety amid recurring outbreaks of sectarian violence in parts of the country.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the bombing, describing it as a terrorist act aimed at destabilizing the country. In a statement posted on social media, the ministry said the attack was intended to undermine security and social cohesion, and vowed that authorities would continue efforts to combat extremist violence.
The incident comes nearly a year after former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power following advances by rebel forces. Assad, who belongs to the Alawite sect, later fled to Russia, where he and his family were granted asylum. Since his removal, Syria has experienced periods of unrest marked by fears of reprisals, targeted attacks, and crackdowns affecting various communities.
Human rights groups have warned that unresolved political divisions and weak security structures have created conditions in which extremist groups can regroup or expand their activities. While large-scale fighting has declined in many regions, sporadic attacks continue to pose a threat to civilians.
Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah’s claim of responsibility follows several months of relative silence from the group. In the past, it has taken credit for what it described as targeted operations against minorities and individuals linked to the former government. Independent verification of these claims has often been difficult due to limited access and conflicting information.
Residents of Homs expressed shock over the attack, saying the city has endured years of violence and was slowly attempting to return to normal life. Friday prayers typically draw large crowds, and the timing of the explosion heightened fears over the safety of places of worship.
Syrian authorities have increased security measures around religious sites in several cities, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Investigations into the Homs mosque blast are continuing, and officials say further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
The attack underscores the fragile security situation in Syria and highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing extremist violence as the country navigates a complex post-conflict landscape.