Khaberni - The Syrian Ministry of Health announced today, Friday, a rise in the number of victims due to the explosion in a mosque in Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood in the city of Homs to 8 dead and 18 injured.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior had previously reported an initial toll of 6 dead and 21 injured from an explosion described as "terrorist" targeting the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood in Homs city, before the Ministry of Health announced the new toll.
A statement from the Ministry of Interior said that internal security units moved to the site and imposed a security cordon around the mosque while the relevant authorities began investigations and gathering evidence to pursue the perpetrators of this criminal act.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior has not pointed fingers at any party for the explosion, nor has any group claimed responsibility.
Syrian sources reported that the explosion occurred concurrently with Friday prayers, while the mosque was crowded with worshipers, resulting in a number of victims. It was added that the authorities imposed a security cordon and closed the entrances and exits of the neighborhood following the incident.
According to the sources, the injured were transported to the University Hospital in Homs, where some were described in critical condition. The number of victims is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
"Syria now" broadcasted scenes showing the initial damage caused by the explosion inside the Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs.
The Director of Media in Homs Governorate announced that the explosion inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque was caused by an explosive device, in the first official clarification regarding the nature of the incident.
Thereafter, the official Syrian News Channel reported that the explosion in Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood in Homs was carried out with explosive devices planted in a corner of the mosque that is usually crowded with worshipers.
