Eight people lost their lives, and 18 others sustained injuries in a terrorist explosion at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Syria’s Homs. The Syrian Health Ministry confirmed the casualties, with the victims receiving treatment at Karam al-Louz Hospital in Homs, as reported by Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
Following the incident, internal security units were deployed to the mosque’s location, with security personnel securing the area. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the explosion, with preliminary findings suggesting that explosive devices planted inside the mosque caused the blast, according to a security source cited by SANA.
In a separate incident on December 22 in Aleppo, Syria, several individuals were killed and injured. This event coincided with a visit by a senior Turkish delegation to Damascus for high-level discussions. Syrian security authorities reported that forces linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fired upon joint security checkpoints following an unexpected withdrawal, despite prior agreements.
The SDF reported injuries to two of its members during an attack near the al-Shihan roundabout in Aleppo. Additionally, a marked Civil Defence vehicle carrying four uniformed rescuers was targeted. Aleppo’s Health Directorate confirmed four injuries resulting from the assault.
During the attack in Aleppo, a Turkish delegation comprising Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin was in Damascus for talks with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and other officials. The discussions aimed to address bilateral relations, regional affairs, and security collaboration.
