6 Martyred, 21 Injured after Blast at Imam Ali Mosque in Syria’s Homs
At least six worshippers were killed in the explosion during the weekly Friday prayers, local sources said.
Syria’s official news agency SANA cited Syrian Health Ministry official Najib al-Naasan as saying 21 others were wounded and that the figures were a preliminary toll, indicating they could rise.
Homs city's press office said an explosive device had detonated inside the mosque and that security forces had cordoned off the area.
Local official Issam Naameh told Reuters the blast took place during Friday noon prayers, typically the busiest time for mosques.
SANA published footage of rescuers and security forces examining debris splayed across the mosque's green carpet.
Syrian sources described the incident as a terrorist attack and said authorities were investigating the circumstances as emergency teams evacuated the wounded and secured the area.
Citing a security source, SANA reported that based on initial investigations, the explosion was caused by explosive devices planted inside the mosque. Initial reports had linked the explosion to a suicide bomber.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Homs, which witnessed some of the worst sectarian violence in the past year, has remained deeply fragile, particularly for members of the Alawite community.
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A local resident, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said people “heard a loud explosion, followed by chaos and panic in the neighborhood.”
He added: “No one dares to leave their house, and we are hearing ambulance sirens.”
Source: Agencies
