Syrian Authorities Announce Arrests in Homs Mosque Bombing Case

The Syrian Ministry of Interior reported on Monday the arrest of individuals involved in the bombing of the Imam Ali bin Talib Mosque located in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs province. The attack, which occurred last December, led to the deaths of eight individuals and injured 18 others.

Claim of Responsibility and ISIS Involvement

The radical group "Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah" has claimed responsibility for the bombing. Syrian officials have indicated that ISIS played a role in orchestrating the attack. In a statement on the Telegram app, the group announced that they detonated explosives inside the mosque in collaboration with other factions, warning of potential future attacks.

International Reactions

Countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Qatar, as well as organizations such as the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League, and the Muslim World League, have condemned the bombing. They expressed a unified stance against terrorism and extremism, particularly in relation to attacks on places of worship. The Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated its support for Syria's efforts to restore security and stability, condemning assaults on civilians and religious sites.

Context of the Attack

The bombing at the Imam Ali bin Talib Mosque occurred approximately two weeks prior to the announcement of the arrests. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence attributed to the "Ansar al-Sunnah" group, which has claimed responsibility for various attacks since its formation following the previous regime's ousting, including a suicide bombing at a church in Damascus last June.

Warnings of Future Attacks

The radical group has issued warnings of an increase in terrorist activities, highlighting the persistent threat posed by extremist organizations in Syria, despite heightened security measures aimed at safeguarding civilians.