A powerful blast struck the Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood of Homs, Syria, during Friday prayers. The explosion killed several worshippers and wounded many others, sparking fear and anger in this mixed‑sect area of the city.
Preliminary reports vary on the death toll, with some officials saying at least six to eight people were killed while more than 20 were wounded in the attack.
What Happened During the Blast
The explosion occurred inside the mosque just after Friday prayers had begun. Syria’s Interior Ministry labelled it “a terrorist explosion” and said security forces quickly sealed off the area to begin an investigation.
Photos show the aftermath of the explosion inside Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs#Homs #explosion #Mosque pic.twitter.com/MAnLejy0dF
— SANA English (@SANAEnOfficial) December 26, 2025
Officials are investigating whether the blast was caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque. A security source said initial inquiries suggest this was likely.
Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos
A resident, speaking anonymously due to safety fears, described the terrifying moment. People “heard a loud explosion, followed by chaos and panic in the neighbourhood.” Sirens could be heard in the streets after the blast.
Photos released showed black smoke inside the mosque, damaged walls, scattered books, and blood‑stained carpets.
Sectarian Tensions Fuel Fears
The mosque is in a predominantly Alawite district of Homs. The Alawite community is a religious minority in Syria, historically linked to former leader Bashar al‑Assad, who also belongs to the sect.
Since Assad was ousted in late 2024, sectarian violence has risen in several regions, especially in Homs. Local monitors and residents have reported kidnappings and killings targeting Alawites.
Many Alawite families now worry about their safety and future in parts of Syria where power has changed hands. Growing attacks on minority religious sites and neighborhoods have deepened these fears.
Security Response and Investigation
Security forces quickly set up a cordon around the mosque and began collecting evidence to find those responsible. Authorities have not yet named any suspects or claimed groups behind the blast.
No militant group has officially claimed responsibility. Some reports and local sources have speculated on possible involvement of extremist factions, though no confirmation has emerged from official channels.
Context: Rising Attacks on Worship Places
This attack comes months after a suicide bombing in a Damascus church killed 25 people earlier this year, marking another strike on a place of worship in Syria.
Such events have heightened concern among all communities about security at religious sites. Many Syrians fear that sectarian clashes and targeted violence may continue unless stronger protective measures are put in place.
The blast at the Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque has shocked the people of Homs, particularly members of the Alawite community. With investigations underway, authorities are under pressure to bring those behind the attack to justice and to prevent further violence in a country still reeling from years of conflict.
