Heavy rain fell over Homs as hundreds of mourners gathered outside the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque, where a bomb the day before had killed eight people and wounded 18.
The Bombing
On Friday, a bombing in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs struck the mosque, killing eight and leaving 18 injured.
The Investigation
Officials say preliminary investigations point to explosive devices planted inside the mosque, but no suspect has yet been publicly named.
The Claim
A little-known group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on its Telegram channel, stating that the attack targeted members of the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam that hard-line Islamists regard as apostates.
The Group’s History
The same group had previously claimed a suicide attack in June, when a gunman opened fire and then detonated an explosive vest inside a Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a on the outskirts of Damascus, killing 25 people as worshippers prayed on a Sunday.
The Neighborhood
The Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood is predominantly Alawite, and the mosque has long been a place where people of all sects could pray.
The Neighbor’s Account
Abu Ahmad, a resident who requested to be identified only by the honorific, said he was at home when he heard a very very strong explosion. He and other neighbors went to the mosque and saw terrified people running out. They entered and began trying to help the wounded amid blood and scattered body parts on the floor.
The Mosque’s Tradition
Abu Ahmad said, “It’s the house of God,” he said. “The mosque’s door is open to everyone. No one ever asked questions. Whoever wants to enter can enter.”
The Mourning Process
Convoys of vehicles moved through the streets carrying the bodies, while the crime scene remained cordoned off. Hundreds of mourners were unable to enter the mosque to pray on Saturday because of the cordon, so they gathered outside and offered prayers.
The Chant
Some mourners marched through the streets chanting “Ya Ali”, a phrase referencing the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law whom Shiite Muslims consider his rightful successor.
Key Takeaways
- Eight people were killed and 18 injured in a bombing at a mosque in Homs, Syria.
- A little-known group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, claimed responsibility, citing the Alawite sect as the target.
- The same group previously claimed responsibility for a June attack that killed 25 people in a Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a.
Closing
Despite the rain and cold, the community in Homs came together to mourn, honor the victims, and stand against the violence that has scarred the city.
