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A suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt inside a mosque in central Syria on Friday, killing at least five people and injuring more than 20 worshippers during weekly prayers, according to multiple reports citing Syrian state media and local officials.
The attack occurred at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs, shortly after Friday prayers had concluded. The predominantly Alawite district became the scene of panic as the blast tore through the religious site, prompting Syrian security forces to cordon off the area and launch an investigation.
Casualty figures varied across reports as information continued to emerge throughout the day. The New York Times, citing Syria's state news agency SANA, reported at least five killed and 21 injured. Xinhua, China's state-affiliated news agency, provided similar numbers, reporting five deaths and 21 wounded. Earlier reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera had indicated three killed and five injured, reflecting the preliminary nature of initial information.
"The attack on Friday targeted the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood of Homs," Al Jazeera reported, adding that state media said security forces had imposed a cordon around the area and were investigating.
While most sources described the incident as a suicide bombing, some initial reports suggested the possibility of planted explosives. Local officials told Reuters the explosion "may have been caused by a suicide bomber or explosives placed there," indicating investigators were still examining the attack's mechanics.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, speculation has pointed toward extremist organizations such as ISIS or groups linked to al-Julani, according to regional media reports. The lack of a claim has left questions about the perpetrators and their motivations.
Iranian outlet Mehr News Agency reported that the explosion took place inside Imam Ali Mosque during Friday prayers, with worshippers present inside the building. Shafaq News noted that "the circumstances surrounding the explosion were not immediately clear, and no group has claimed responsibility," while highlighting intensified violence against sectarian communities in Syria in recent months.
The Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque serves as a significant religious site for Shia and Alawite communities in Homs. The Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam, forms a substantial minority in Syria and has been closely associated with the country's political leadership.
Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood, where the mosque is located, is part of predominantly Alawite districts within Homs, Syria's third-largest city. The targeted nature of the attack on a sectarian community gathering has raised concerns about renewed communal violence in the war-torn nation.
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