Deadly Mosque Explosion in Homs Kills 8, Injures Dozens During Friday Prayers

HOMS, Syria: At least eight people were killed and 18 others injured in a devastating explosion at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs during Friday prayers, authorities confirmed.

Najeeb Al-Naasan, director of emergency and ambulance services at the Health Ministry, warned that the casualty figures were preliminary and “likely to rise” as rescue operations continue.

According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, the blast targeted worshippers at the mosque located on Al-Khodari Street in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, and specialized investigative teams have begun collecting evidence to identify and apprehend those responsible.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident comes amid efforts by Syria’s transitional administration to stabilize security across the country and address lingering unrest linked to remnants of the former regime. President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, recently fled to Russia, ending the Ba’ath Party’s decades-long hold on power. The new administration, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, was formed earlier this year.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces as investigations into the attack continue.