On December 26, 2025, a deadly explosion at the Imam Ali and Abi Talib mosque in Homs, Syria, claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and injured more than a dozen others. The attack, which occurred during Friday noon prayers, has been claimed by the Sunni extremist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna. This incident is a stark reminder of the persistent sectarian tensions and fragility that continue to threaten Syria’s stability in the post-Assad era.
Story Highlights
- A deadly explosion at an Alawite mosque in Homs, Syria, killed at least eight people.
- The attack was claimed by the Sunni extremist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna.
- The incident underscores ongoing sectarian tensions post-Assad regime.
- Regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Lebanon have condemned the attack.
Explosion Rocks Alawite Mosque in Syria
On December 26, 2025, a deadly explosion at the Imam Ali and Abi Talib mosque in Homs, Syria, claimed the lives of at least eight individuals and injured more than a dozen others. The attack occurred during Friday noon prayers, targeting a congregation of around 300 worshippers. The Sunni extremist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna quickly claimed responsibility for the assault, further deepening sectarian rifts in the region.
The explosion is seen as part of a broader pattern of violence against the Alawite minority in Syria, especially following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The Alawites, who held power under the Assad regime, have become increasingly vulnerable under the new Sunni-led government. This attack not only highlights the fragility of the post-Assad era but also the persisting sectarian tensions that threaten Syria’s stability and reconstruction efforts.
Reactions and Condemnations
The Syrian government, now led by Sunni factions, has denounced the bombing as a “terrorist crime.” Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, have also condemned the incident, signaling the diplomatic stakes involved. These countries, along with others, are invested in Syria’s reconstruction and the broader Middle Eastern stability, making the attack a significant concern for international relations.
Security measures have been heightened in response to the explosion, with Syrian forces cordoning off the area and initiating investigations. However, details about arrests or further investigations remain undisclosed. The incident poses a challenge to the new government’s authority, as it struggles to maintain control and prevent further sectarian violence.
Explosion killed eight people at an Alawite mosque in Syria’s Homs
Implications for Syria’s Future
The attack at the Alawite mosque in Homs underscores a grim reality for Syria’s future. In the short term, there are fears of retaliatory violence and escalating sectarian clashes. Long-term implications include potential destabilization of the Sunni-led government and hindrances to Syria’s reconstruction efforts. The Alawite community, in particular, faces significant threats to its safety and survival in the region.
Watch the report: ‘Deadly’ explosion killed eight people at an Alawite mosque in Syria’s Homs
Sources:
Explosion at Alawite mosque in Syria’s Homs kills eight
Mosque blast during Friday noon prayers kills eight in Syria
Homs: Deadly explosion during Friday prayers inside Syrian mosque
Islamist militant group claims deadly bombing of Alawite mosque