Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque bombing

Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque bombing
Location of the bombing in Wadi Al-Dhabab
Location	Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque, Homs, Syria
Date	26 December 2025 c. 12:30 p.m. (UTC+03:00)
Attack type	IED detonation
Deaths	8
Injured	18
Perpetrators	Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah (claimed responsibility) One other group (per Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah) Possible Islamic State involvement (per Syrian Ministry of Interior)

On 26 December 2025, a bombing occurred in the Alawite-majority Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib mosque in Homs, Syria during Friday prayers. The explosion killed eight people and left eighteen more injured. ^[1] The Islamist militant group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility for the attack via a statement on Telegram. ^[2]

Background

See also: 2025 massacres of Syrian Alawites

Following the fall of the Assad regime, the city of Homs experienced a deterioration in security and a resurgence of sectarian tensions. ^[3] According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), multiple episodes of communal violence were recorded in Homs and surrounding areas during the post-Assad period, including attacks on and retaliatory killings of Alawite civilians amid broader unrest between different sectarian groups, contributing to a volatile security situation in the city. ^{[4] [5] [6]}

Bombing

The bombing occurred in Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood, an Alawite-majority neighborhood, during Friday prayer. ^[7] An eyewitness told Al Jazeera Arabic that the explosion occurred between the times of Adhan and Iqama, and that the explosion felt like it came from the western side of the mosque. ^[8]

Eight fatalities and 18 injuries were reported as a result of the attack. ^{[7] [9]}

Perpetrators

Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, an extremist Islamist terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on Telegram, saying that it detonated several explosive devices inside the mosque in coordination with members of another organization, warning that its operations "will continue to escalate". ^[10] The group was formed shortly after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and had previously carried out a suicide bombing inside a church in Damascus in June 2025. ^[11]

The Syrian Ministry of Interior told Al Arabiya that the Islamic State might be involved in the attack, noting that the assailant had placed a bomb-laden bag inside the mosque. ^[10]

Reactions

Domestic

• Syria: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as a cowardly criminal act, describing it as a blatant violation of human and moral values and part of repeated attempts to undermine security and stability in the country. The ministry reaffirmed Syria's firm stance against all forms of terrorism, emphasizing that such acts will not deter the government from maintaining security, protecting citizens, and holding perpetrators accountable. Condolences were extended to the victims' families, with wishes for a swift recovery for the injured and expressions of full solidarity with those affected. ^[12] The Ministry of Endowments condemned the terrorist attack and described it as a direct attack on both religious and national values and a desperate attempt to destabilize security and order. Condolences were extended to the victims' families, with wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured and prayers for the protection of Syria and its people. ^[13] Syrian Interior Minister, Anas Khattab, condemned the terrorist bombing, stating that those responsible would face justice. He emphasized that attempts to undermine Syria's unity and stability would fail. Khattab extended condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He described attacks on places of worship as cowardly acts and noted a pattern of targeting religious sites, referencing a recent church attack in Damascus. He stressed that such efforts would not weaken the Syrian people's resolve or national cohesion. ^[14] Minister of Justice, Mazhar al-Wais, condemned the terrorist bombing, describing it as a grave violation of the sanctity of places of worship and the protection of human life. He emphasized that terrorism in all its forms is unacceptable and will be dealt with firmly under the law to safeguard national security, protect citizens, and preserve social stability and unity. Al-Wais further stated that the attack sought to spread discord and undermine both religious and humanitarian values. ^[15] Minister of Information, Hamza al-Mustafa, condemned the terrorist attack and described it as an attempt to undermine state stability and disrupt social cohesion, accusing extremist elements of seeking to obstruct Syria's political transition. Al-Mustafa expressed condolences to the victims' families and called on Syrians to confront extremist and sectarian ideologies, stressing the importance of unity around a civic state based on citizenship and shared national identity. ^[16]

• Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah: Declared that "The mujahideen of Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, in cooperation with fighters from another group, detonated several explosive devices inside the Ali ibn Abi Talib temple, belonging to the Nusayris" (referring to the Alawites). ^[17]

• Supreme Alawite Islamic Council: Condemned what it called a systematic campaign of killings, forced displacement, detentions and incitement against Alawites for more than a year. ^[18]

• Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES): Condemned the attack as a "terrorist crime" that violates humanitarian values and threatens societal stability, and its Foreign Relations co-chair Îlham Ehmed strongly denounced the bombing, saying it seeks to exploit division and spread chaos. ^[19]

International

• Bahrain: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the terrorist bombing in Syria, reaffirming its firm stance against terrorism in all its forms. The Bahraini government expressed solidarity with the Syrian people and extended its condolences to the victims' families, stressing the need to safeguard regional stability and security. ^[20]

• France: The French Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the deadly mosque explosion in Homs, describing it as a terrorist attack intended to destabilize the country and its transitional authorities. It reiterated France's firm opposition to terrorism and extremism, extended its condolences to the Syrian people, and affirmed its support for efforts to preserve Syria’s security, stability, and unity. ^[21]

• Iraq: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, reaffirming its firm rejection of all forms of terrorism, violence, and extremism regardless of their motives or origins. The ministry stated that such acts target civilians and places of worship and aim to undermine security, stability, and social cohesion. It also extended condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. ^[22]

• Jordan: Jordan condemned the terrorist bombing, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed in a statement full solidarity with the Syrian government and people and reaffirmed Jordan's rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability. The statement also reiterated Jordan's support for Syria's reconstruction on the basis of preserving its sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability, while safeguarding the rights of all Syrians. ^[23]

• Kuwait: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Kuwait's firm stance against all forms of violence and terrorism, emphasizing the importance of confronting such cowardly acts that target innocent civilians. The ministry extended sincere condolences to the Syrian government, people, and the victims' families, and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. ^[24]

• Lebanon: President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the terrorist bombing, reaffirming Lebanon's support for Syria in its fight against terrorism. Aoun expressed condolences to the Syrian leadership, the victims' families, and the Syrian people, stressing Lebanon's solidarity with Syria. He emphasized that supporting Syria's efforts to build a unified, democratic, and modern state aligns with both Syrian unity and Lebanon's national and strategic interests. Aoun also warned that hate speech and exclusionary extremist ideologies pose serious challenges to societies emerging from prolonged conflicts. ^[25]

• Palestine: The Palestinian Presidency condemned the bombing that targeted a mosque in Homs, describing it as a criminal act aimed at undermining Syria's security and social fabric. It expressed condolences to the Syrian leadership and the families of the victims, reaffirming Palestine's rejection of terrorism and violence against civilians and places of worship. ^[26]

• Qatar: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack and reaffirming Qatar's full solidarity with the Syrian government in all measures taken to maintain security. It also reiterated Qatar's firm stance against violence, terrorism, and criminal acts regardless of motive, emphasizing the absolute rejection of attacks on places of worship and the intimidation of civilians. Condolences were extended to the victims' families and to the Syrian government and people, along with wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured. ^[27]

• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia condemned the terrorist attack, reiterating its firm rejection of terrorism, extremism, and attacks on mosques and places of worship. A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with Syria and support for the Syrian government's efforts to maintain security and stability. The ministry also conveyed condolences to the victims' families and to the Syrian government and people, wishing the injured a swift recovery and affirming hopes for continued peace and safety in Syria. ^[28]

• Turkey: Turkey strongly condemned the terrorist attack, reaffirming its support and solidarity with Syria. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences to the Syrian government and people, emphasizing Turkey's backing for Syria in maintaining its security, stability, and national unity despite provocations. ^[29]

• United Arab Emirates: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the deadly explosion in Homs, reiterating its unwavering rejection of terrorism and extremist violence. The UAE expressed its condolences to the Syrian government and people, affirming its solidarity with Syria and support for efforts to maintain security, stability, and unity. ^[30]

• Arab League: Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit strongly condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the victims' families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. A spokesperson for the Secretary-General warned against attempts to destabilize Syria by sowing discord and chaos, emphasizing the need to strengthen efforts to overcome current challenges and safeguard Syria's unity and sovereignty. The statement reaffirmed the Arab League's support for the Syrian government in combating ISIS and all forms of terrorism, and in cooperating with the international community to address and eliminate terrorist threats. ^[31]

• GCC: The Gulf Cooperation Council strongly condemned the terrorist attack, reaffirming its rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism. GCC Secretary-General, Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi  [ ar ], expressed full solidarity with Syria, extended condolences to the victims' families, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He emphasized that such acts of violence aim to destabilize security and peace both within Syria and globally. ^[32]

• Muslim World League: The Muslim World League condemned the terrorist attack. Secretary-General and President of the Council of Muslim Scholars, Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, denounced the attack as a crime that disregards human life, religious sanctity, and the sanctity of worship places. He reaffirmed the League's rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism and expressed full solidarity with Syria, offering condolences to the victims' families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. ^[33]

• United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the deadly attack on worshippers at a mosque in Homs, Syria, stating that such attacks on civilians and places of worship are unacceptable and that those responsible must be brought to justice. ^[34]

References

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