Syria Mosque Bombing

Hundreds of mourners have gathered outside a mosque in Homs, Syria, after a bombing killed eight people and wounded 18. The crowd assembled next to the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, predominantly Alawite, before driving in convoys to bury the victims. Officials say preliminary investigations indicate explosive devices were planted inside the mosque. A group called Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility, targeting the Alawite sect. The same group previously claimed a suicide attack in June at a Greek Orthodox church near Damascus. Mourners prayed outside the mosque, which remains cordoned off.

At least four people have been killed and dozens wounded in clashes on Syria’s coast. Health officials said that the violence erupted Sunday between Alawite protesters and counterdemonstrators. This follows a bombing at an Alawite mosque in Homs on Friday that killed eight and wounded 18. Thousands protested in Latakia and Tartous. A group called Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the mosque attack. Security forces tried to break up the clashes by firing into the air. Syria’s state-run television reported injuries to security forces and damage to property. The country has faced sectarian clashes since the fall of former President Bashar Assad.