Bloody explosion at Friday prayer: eight dead in Homs mosque!

Bloody explosion at Friday prayer: eight dead in Homs mosque!

A devastating explosion occurred at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, Syria on December 26, 2025, killing at least 8 people and injuring 18 others. The attack took place during Friday prayers and was caused by an explosive device hidden in the mosque. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, as reported by the SANA news agency. This incident marks the first targeted attack on a mosque since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, further exacerbating an already tense situation in a conflict-torn region. The mosque is mainly attended by the Alawite minority, which includes Assad.

Homs, one of Syria's largest cities, is about 90 minutes' drive north of Damascus. Since the fall of Assad, there have been repeated outbreaks of violence against minorities in the region, some of which have left hundreds dead. This escalation comes in the context of an ongoing wave of massacres that primarily target Alawite civilians. A series of revenge actions against this minority took place in 2025, with 151 people having already been killed in sectarian killings by the end of February 2025.

An escalating conflict

The violent incidents that have occurred since spring 2025 include extrajudicial killings, massacres and targeted attacks on Alawite civilians in the provinces of Latakia, Tartus, Hama and Homs. As of March 2025, over 1,000 Alawites had been killed by pro-government militants, further increasing fears within this community. Islamist militias such as the Alliance for the Liberation of the Levant, led by Abu Mohammed al-Julani, are also reportedly influencing the security situation in the region.

The Islamist group has not only gained power, but has also reported attacks on security forces from the ranks of the former Assad government, leading to more deaths. These military conflicts underline the fragile conditions in Syria, where a political transition process has so far failed to materialize despite international demands. More and more Alawite families are being forced to flee their hometowns, while thousands live in constant fear of persecution.

Security and prospects

The security situation is desolate and the people of Syria feel increasingly threatened. Reports indicate that not only Alawites but also other minorities such as Druze and Christians are being affected by an increase in violence. Druze communities have formed armed militias to protect themselves, but have also shown interest in cooperating with the new interim government. In the context of the deteriorating situation, the United Nations has repeatedly called for an investigation into violence against civilians.

Amid this crisis situation, the UN Security Council notes that those responsible for the alleged massacres must be held accountable. However, there is currently great distrust between the various ethnic and religious groups in Syria. The challenges are enormous as the Alawite community remains under pressure and the possibility of lasting peace in the region becomes distant.

Recent incidents, including the attack in Homs, highlight the need for a comprehensive and fair response to stabilize the situation in Syria in order to protect civilians from further attacks.