Name: Homs bombing sparks fears of renewed sectarian violence
Uploaded: 2025-12-27T13:33:45.129Z
Duration: 1 min 44 s
Description: A deadly bombing in Homs has deepened public grief and raised concerns about a possible return to sectarian conflict in central Syria.

A deadly bombing in Homs has deepened public grief and raised concerns about a possible return to sectarian conflict in central Syria.

Homs‎

An explosion struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib mosque in the majority Alawite neighborhood of Wadi al-Dahab, Homs, Syria, resulting in at least 8 deaths and more than 18 injuries. The blast occurred during Friday prayers, and authorities report that explosives were planted along the mosque's western wall, ruling out a suicide bombing.

The incident follows a previous attack on a church in Damascus earlier in the year, raising concerns about escalating violence targeting religious sites. Security forces have increased patrols and are maintaining control in the area as investigations continue, while the city mourns the victims and awaits further information.

Homs bombing sparks fears of renewed sectarian violence

At least 8 people have been killed and more than 18 injured when an explosion struck Wadi al-Dahab, a majority Alawite neighborhood in the city of Homs in central Syria. The blast hit the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib mosque during Friday prayers. When the explosion happened there was chaos and people were lying on the ground. Between 25 and 30 people were on the ground and within 5 minutes security and ambulances arrived to treat the wounded and the deceased. Security forces are preventing entry into the mosque as investigations continue. Authorities say the attack was not a suicide bombing. The mosque's Imam told Al Jazeera explosives were planted along the western wall and detonated during Friday prayers. Homs is a mixed city. There are Alawites, Christians and Sunnis. And whoever did this may have intended to stir sectarian violence in the central Syrian city. But so far things seem calm, things seem quiet and the security forces seem to have the area under control. The attack follows a deadly bombing at a church in Damascus earlier this year, raising concerns about renewed violence targeting places of worship. Striking a mosque in an Alawite-majority area after an earlier church attack in the capital risks deepening sectarian tensions in a country still fragile after years of war. Authorities in Homs say patrols will be increased as well as greater security. For now, Homs is mourning its dead and waiting for answers. Ayman Ogana, Al Jazeera, Homs, Syria.

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