Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
At least eight people were killed and 18 others wounded on Friday after an explosion tore through a mosque during Friday prayers in the Syrian city of Homs, according to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), in an incident that has shaken a city that had recently experienced relative calm.
The blast occurred inside the Imam Ali Mosque in the densely populated Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood while worshippers were gathered for prayers. Local media and eyewitness accounts said the explosion happened within the prayer hall itself, amplifying the toll among civilians attending the service.
Initial reports suggested the explosion may have been caused by a suicide attack carried out among the congregation, though Syrian authorities have not issued an official confirmation or denial regarding the nature of the blast. No group immediately claimed responsibility.
Emergency services, including ambulances, rescue teams, and civil defense units, rushed to the scene shortly after the explosion to evacuate the injured and secure the area. Security forces imposed a tight cordon around the mosque as investigations began. SANA cited preliminary figures indicating eight fatalities and at least 18 injured, noting that the numbers could change as more information becomes available.
Wadi al-Dhahab is known as one of Homs’ most crowded districts and has previously been the site of security incidents during the years-long Syrian conflict. Although large-scale fighting has largely subsided in the city compared with earlier phases of the war, sporadic attacks and security breaches have continued to raise concerns about lingering instability.
The attack has heightened fears among residents of a return to violence targeting civilian gatherings and places of worship, which have been repeatedly hit during Syria’s conflict. Such incidents have historically deepened sectarian tensions and undermined efforts to restore a sense of normalcy in urban centers that endured years of fighting.
Homs, once a focal point of the Syrian war, had in recent months seen improved security conditions, making Friday’s explosion particularly alarming for local communities. Authorities have yet to release further details on those responsible or on additional security measures, as investigations into the attack remain ongoing.
