"At least eight people were killed and dozens more wounded in a bombing that struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the city of Homs on Friday. Footage shows extensive damage inside the mosque, with security forces from Syria’s transitional government and volunteers from the White Helmets deployed at the scene. Usama Ibrahim, a worshipper injured in the blast, said the explosion occurred during prayers and was accompanied by a powerful shockwave. “I fell to the ground with my head bleeding. I pressed my hand against the wound and tried to get up amid cries and screams,” he said. A group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, saying it had planted explosive devices inside the mosque and vowing to carry out “more attacks against all infidels and apostates”. The mosque is located in a neighbourhood predominantly inhabited by members of the Alawite sect. Syria’s state news agency SANA reported that “a terrorist bombing targeted the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood of Homs”. The transitional government’s Ministry of Health said in a preliminary toll that eight civilians were killed and 18 others injured. The transitional government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack 'in the strongest terms', describing it as a "desperate attempt to undermine security and stability." The bombing was also widely condemned by Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and Turkey. In December 2024, Syria’s current transitional authorities took power in Damascus, with Ahmad al-Sharaa later appointed transitional president, pledging to form an 'inclusive government'. However, media reports have documented abuses against civilians from Druze, Alawite, Christian and other minority communities. These developments have contributed to rising tensions, including calls for secession in Suwayda governorate and the continued failure, as of the time of publication, of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate into the new Syrian army."