Iraq condemns bombing at Alawite mosque in Homs, Syria

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned what it described as a “terrorist” attack that targeted worshippers at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, Syria.

In a statement, the ministry said, “The Republic of Iraq strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack that targeted worshippers at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque… which resulted in the loss of innocent lives.”

The attack occurred at the mosque, which is attended mainly by members of Syria’s Alawite minority. Explosive devices detonated inside the mosque during prayers, killing at least eight people and wounding about 18 others, according to Syrian authorities. An extremist group, Saraya Ansar al‑Sunnah, claimed responsibility for the attack in a message on Telegram.

The ministry reiterated its stance against violence, stating, “We affirm our absolute rejection and condemnation of all forms of terrorism, violence, and extremism, regardless of their motives or sources, which target civilians and places of worship and seek to destabilize security and stability and incite strife in societies.”

It also expressed solidarity with regional and international efforts to combat terrorism: “The Republic of Iraq stresses its support for regional and international efforts aimed at eliminating terrorism and drying up its sources.”