An explosion has killed at least eight people and injured 18 others during Friday prayers inside a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs, the health ministry has said.
Pictures from Syria's state-run news agency, Sana, show the inside of the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque with black, scorched walls, smashed windows, and blood on the carpet.
Officials believe that an explosive was detonated inside the building, Sana reports, citing a security source. While authorities are still searching for the perpetrators, jihadist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah said it was behind the explosion.
The mosque is located in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, where most residents are part of the Alawite ethnoreligious group.
Syria's Foreign Ministry condemned the 'terrorist crime', stating that the 'cowardly act is a blatant assault on human and moral values' aimed at undermining the security and stability of the country.
Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it collaborated with another unidentified group and used explosives planted at the site.
The group's origins and affiliations have been questioned, as they previously claimed responsibility for a deadly church bombing in Damascus. Some observers speculate it might be a front for the Islamic State group due to similarities in messaging and targets.
The blast occurs amid ongoing sectarian violence following the overthrow of President Assad, as Alawites continue to fear reprisals and experience crackdowns.
Security forces have faced accusations of violence against Alawite communities, heightening tensions across the region.
