By International Affairs Correspondent
London, (The Muslim News): UN Secretary-General António Guterres has “unequivocally” condemned a deadly attack on as Alawite mosque in the central Syrian city of Homs, describing assaults on civilians and places of worship as “unacceptable”.
At least eight worshippers were killed and 18 others injured when an explosive device detonated inside the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque on Al-Khodari Street in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood during Friday prayers.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said those responsible for the attack must be identified and held accountable. He also noted that Syrian authorities had denounced the incident and reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism.
“The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of those killed and expresses his sympathy to all those injured, wishing them a prompt and full recovery,” Dujarric said.
France also strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “terrorist” act and part of a “deliberate strategy aimed at destabilising Syria and its transitional authorities”.
In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry said the Homs attack echoed previous violence, including an assault on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus last June, and was intended to spread fear and undermine efforts to restore peace and stability.
“France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating all forms of violent extremism and to supporting the political transition in Syria, alongside its partners in the International Coalition against Daesh,” the ministry added.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the bombing as a “cowardly act” and a “blatant assault on human and moral values”, accusing hostile actors of attempting to destabilise the country and undermine social cohesion.
The ministry stressed that such attacks would not deter the authorities from continuing efforts to reinforce security, protect civilians and hold those responsible to account. It also renewed its call on the international community to stand against terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations”.
Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba said a “criminal terrorist” had planted and detonated an explosive device inside the mosque. He confirmed that the perpetrator had not yet been identified, adding that security forces had recently carried out “successful preventive operations” to protect civilians and residential areas.
“Many parties are displeased with the current positive state of unity in Syria,” al-Baba said, insisting that efforts against terrorism, including remnants of the former regime, ISIS (Daesh) and separatist groups, would continue.
State media reported that a group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunna had claimed responsibility for the attack.
The bombing comes as Syria’s transitional authorities seek to stabilise security nationwide following the collapse of the Baath Party regime. Former president Bashar al-Assad, who ruled the country for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia earlier this year. A new transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January.
[Photo: Civil defense teams conduct inspections inside Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque on Al-Khodari Street in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, after an explosion occurred during Friday prayer in Homs, Syria on December 26, 2025. Photojournalist: Ula Muhammed/AA]
