What Happened in Homs? Eight Lives Lost in Mosque Explosion
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Eight fatalities reported in Homs mosque explosion.
- 18 individuals injured and receiving treatment.
- Investigation launched into the cause of the explosion.
- Ongoing violence raises security concerns in the region.
- High-level talks between Turkey and Syria coincide with violence.
Damascus, Dec 26 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque located in the Wadi al-Dahab area of Syria's Homs on Friday, resulting in the loss of eight lives and leaving 18 others injured, as reported by local media citing the Syrian Health Ministry.
The injured individuals were promptly transported to the Karam al-Louz Hospital in Homs for necessary medical attention, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
The Interior Ministry announced that internal security forces were dispatched to the scene of the explosion. Security teams secured the area around the mosque while investigations commenced. Preliminary findings suggested that the blast was triggered by explosive devices hidden within the mosque, as relayed by a security source to SANA.
Earlier, on December 22, a separate incident in Aleppo resulted in casualties, coinciding with a high-profile Turkish delegation's visit to Damascus for diplomatic discussions.
According to officials, forces linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) opened fire on joint security checkpoints following an unexpected withdrawal, despite prior agreements, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. This attack left a member of the Internal Security Forces, a soldier, along with several Civil Defence personnel and civilians injured.
The SDF reported that two of its members sustained injuries during their duty near the al-Shihan roundabout. Additionally, a Civil Defence vehicle marked for rescue operations, carrying four personnel, was also targeted in Aleppo, with a total of four injuries reported by the Health Directorate of Aleppo.
This wave of violence coincided with significant talks between the Turkish delegation, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss bilateral relations and regional security matters.