The United Arab Emirates has issued a forceful condemnation of a lethal bombing that struck a mosque in Homs, Syria, during Friday prayers. The attack, which resulted in significant civilian casualties, has been met with international reproach from the Gulf nation.
According to reports from the Syrian state news agency SANA, the explosion claimed eight lives and left at least eighteen individuals wounded. Syrian Health Ministry official Najib al-Naasan indicated these casualty figures were preliminary and subject to increase. Local official Issam Naameh confirmed to Reuters that the blast occurred during the congregation’s noon prayers.
In an official statement, Afra Al Hameli, Director of Strategic Communications at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, articulated the nation’s position: “In the strongest terms, the UAE denounced the terrorist attack that took place inside a mosque in Homs, central Syria, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of innocent civilians.” The Ministry emphasized its unequivocal rejection of all manifestations of violence and terrorism that seek to destabilize regional security.
The UAE extended profound condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families, the Syrian government, and its people, while also expressing wishes for the swift recovery of those injured in the assault.
Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, an ultra-conservative Sunni Muslim Syrian faction, which announced its involvement through Telegram channels. This same group previously claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a Damascus church in June that resulted in twenty fatalities.