A powerful explosion tore through a mosque in Syria during Friday prayers, killing at least eight worshippers and injuring several others in a devastating attack that has shocked the local community.
The blast occurred as congregants gathered for the weekly Jum’ah service, a time when the mosque was especially crowded. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the explosion struck, throwing people to the ground and causing significant damage to the building’s interior.
Emergency responders and volunteers rushed to the site, working amid dust and debris to evacuate the wounded and search for survivors. Ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where medical personnel struggled to treat those suffering from shrapnel wounds, burns and other trauma.
Local authorities quickly sealed off the area as investigators arrived to examine the scene. Early assessments indicate that the blast originated inside the mosque, but officials have not yet disclosed whether it was caused by an improvised explosive device, a suicide attack, or another mechanism.
Community leaders condemned the attack, calling it a heinous act of violence targeting people at prayer. They appealed for calm and solidarity, urging residents to come together in support of the victims and their families.
Relatives of those killed and wounded gathered at hospitals and around the mosque, grieving and praying for loved ones. Many expressed disbelief and sorrow, saying that a place of worship should be a sanctuary free from fear.
The incident has drawn international attention, with leaders and human rights advocates expressing condolences and calling for a thorough investigation. There are concerns that the attack could further inflame tensions in an already volatile region.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion, and authorities are continuing their inquiry into potential motives and perpetrators. Security forces have increased patrols in the surrounding neighborhood to prevent further violence and reassure residents.
As the community mourns, questions remain about who was behind the attack and how such a tragedy could occur during a sacred time of worship. Officials have pledged to pursue all leads as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
Author: M.J