Damascus, Dec 26 — At least eight people were killed and 18 others injured on Friday after a terrorist explosion ripped through the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab district of Homs, according to local media reports citing the Syrian Health Ministry.
The injured were immediately rushed to Karam al-Louz Hospital in Homs for treatment, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported. Several of the wounded are said to be in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll may rise.
Following the blast, Syria’s Interior Ministry said internal security units were swiftly deployed to the site. Security forces cordoned off the mosque and surrounding areas to prevent further casualties, while specialised teams began examining the scene. Initial investigations indicate that the explosion was caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque, a security source told SANA.
The attack has heightened fears of renewed instability as Syria continues to grapple with sporadic violence despite relative calm in several regions. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to identify those responsible and determine whether the attack is linked to wider militant activity.
The incident comes amid a tense security situation in the country. On December 22, several people were killed and wounded in a separate attack in Syria’s Aleppo, according to security officials. That incident occurred when forces affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) allegedly opened fire on joint security checkpoints following a sudden withdrawal, despite prior agreements.
Syrian authorities said that a member of the Internal Security Forces, a soldier, and several Civil Defence personnel and civilians were injured in the Aleppo attack. The SDF, however, claimed that two of its members were wounded after coming under fire while on duty near the al-Shihan roundabout. It also reported that a clearly marked Civil Defence vehicle carrying four uniformed rescuers was targeted. Aleppo’s Health Directorate confirmed that four people were injured in the incident.
The Aleppo violence coincided with the visit of a high-level Turkish delegation to Damascus. The delegation, led by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, held talks with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and senior officials on bilateral relations, regional developments, and security cooperation.
The back-to-back incidents underscore the fragile security environment in Syria as authorities work to prevent further attacks and restore stability.
