At least eight people have been killed and 18 wounded after an explosion tore through a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs during Friday prayers, authorities said.
Officials believe an explosive device was planted inside the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood, an area largely inhabited by members of the Alawite community.
Sunni extremist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility, saying it carried out the attack with another group, though its origins and links remain unclear and have prompted speculation of ties to Islamic State.
Syria’s government condemned the bombing as a terrorist act aimed at destabilising the country, as fears of sectarian violence continue following the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad last year and ongoing attacks targeting religious minorities.
🇸🇾 Suicide bombing at Imam Ali Shiite mosque in Homs, Syria
A suicide attacker detonated explosives inside the Imam Ali mosque in Homs during prayers.
At least 12 people have been killed and dozens injured, according to local sources.
Emergency services and security forces are… pic.twitter.com/dlgJflF9GL
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) December 26, 2025
