A manhunt is on for dozens of ISIL (ISIS) fighters who escaped prison during heavy fighting between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led fighters in the north.

ISIS Detainees Escape From Al-Shaddadi Prison Amid Fighting in Syria

Reports claimed that 1,500 Islamic State prisoners had escapeda prison in the town of Shaddadeh, around 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Syria’s border to Iraq, while the Syrian ministry reported the number to be about 120 detainees. This comes amid the tensions between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government forces. Despite reaching a ceasefire on Monday, brief clashes erupted on Monday evening in Raqa city, with heavy bombardment reported.The SDF said government forces shelled the Al-Aqtan prison, “which holds ISIS members and leaders, in an attempt to storm it.” A defence ministry source later told AFP that clashes had halted.While Syria’s Interior Ministry said that about 120 IS militants had escaped the prison in Shaddadi, Kurdish website Rudaw reported, citing Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, that around 1,500 Islamic State detainees had escaped.Government forces and the SDF have accused each other of the prison break. While the army claimed that the SDF, which controlled the facility, deliberately released the detainees, the Kurdish-led SDF stated it lost control of the prison after government forces attacked.The Syrian army denied any attack on the jail, stating that its forces will work to secure the facility and re-arrest the escapees.Following the prison breakout, government forces imposed a curfew in Shaddadeh. The SDF oversees more than a dozen prisons in northeastern Syria, where about 9,000 IS prisoners have been held for years. Many of these detainees are believed to have committed atrocities in Syria and Iraq after IS declared a caliphate in June 2014 across large parts of both countries.On Monday (Jan 19), Syria said that President Ahmed al-Sharaa held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss Kurdish rights guarantees, a day after Damascus reached a deal with Kurdish forces, including a truce. Sharaa also met with Mazloum Abdi, head of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, to discuss the agreement, which includes integrating the Kurds' administration into the state. However, AFP reported, citing a Kurdish source familiar with the talks, that the discussions were not positive.

Despite reaching a ceasefire on Monday, brief clashes erupted on Monday evening in Raqa city, with heavy bombardment reported.

Reports claimed that 1,500 Islamic State prisoners had escapeda prison in the town of Shaddadeh, around 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Syria’s border to Iraq, while the Syrian ministry reported the number to be about 120 detainees. This comes amid the tensions between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government forces. Despite reaching a ceasefire on Monday, brief clashes erupted on Monday evening in Raqa city, with heavy bombardment reported. The SDF said government forces shelled the Al-Aqtan prison, “which holds ISIS members and leaders, in an attempt to storm it.” A defence ministry source later told AFP that clashes had halted. While Syria’s Interior Ministry said that about 120 IS militants had escaped the prison in Shaddadi, Kurdish website Rudaw reported, citing Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, that around 1,500 Islamic State detainees had escaped. Government forces and the SDF have accused each other of the prison break. While the army claimed that the SDF, which controlled the facility, deliberately released the detainees, the Kurdish-led SDF stated it lost control of the prison after government forces attacked. The Syrian army denied any attack on the jail, stating that its forces will work to secure the facility and re-arrest the escapees. Following the prison breakout, government forces imposed a curfew in Shaddadeh. The SDF oversees more than a dozen prisons in northeastern Syria, where about 9,000 IS prisoners have been held for years. Many of these detainees are believed to have committed atrocities in Syria and Iraq after IS declared a caliphate in June 2014 across large parts of both countries. On Monday (Jan 19), Syria said that President Ahmed al-Sharaa held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss Kurdish rights guarantees, a day after Damascus reached a deal with Kurdish forces, including a truce. Sharaa also met with Mazloum Abdi, head of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, to discuss the agreement, which includes integrating the Kurds' administration into the state. However, AFP reported, citing a Kurdish source familiar with the talks, that the discussions were not positive.

Despite reaching a ceasefire on Monday, brief clashes erupted on Monday evening in Raqa city, with heavy bombardment reported.

About 1,500 Islamic State prisoners escape amid clashes between Syrian army and SDF

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack in Damascus following the announcement of a truce between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The 14-point deal includes an immediate ceasefire, ending weeks of clashes, with SDF integration into national forces and government takeover of key areas like oil fields, dams, and border crossings. The U.S. backs the process to stabilize Syria and counter ISIS remnants.

Al-Sharaa, U.S. Envoy Seal Syria-Kurd Truce with Ceasefire

Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have worsened the humanitarian crisis for displaced Syrians, many of whom are living in fragile tents with little protection from the cold. Aid groups warn that children, the elderly and the sick face the greatest risk as winter conditions cut off access to food, fuel and medical care.


Snow Deepens Crisis For Displaced Syrians Amid Harsh Winter | Wion Climate Tracker

Syria has announced an immediate nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, ending nearly two weeks of intense fighting. The truce is part of a 14-point agreement to integrate the SDF into Syria’s military and state institutions.


Syria ceasefire: Reports suggest Syria to begin development plans for oil, gas field

The Syrian government has announced an immediate nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), taking almost full control of the country and ending nearly two weeks of fighting, according to Syrian state media. The Syrian government now takes almost full control of the country, while the Kurdish-led forces that controlled the northeast for over a decade will be dismantled. The ceasefire forms part of a broader 14-point agreement that will see the SDF integrated into Syria’s military and state institutions.&nbsp;President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the deal would allow Syrian state institutions to reassert control over three eastern and northern governorates—al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and Raqqa.The announcement came after a meeting between al-Sharaa and the US special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, in Damascus. Barrack praised the agreement as a step toward a ‘unified Syria’.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-and-jordan-also-get-invites-to-join-trump-s-gaza-board-of-peace-1768757482057">Pakistan and Jordan also get invites to join Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace</a>&nbsp;SDF commander Mazloum Abdi was expected to attend the meeting but was unable to travel due to weather conditions, with his visit postponed until Monday, said al-Sharaa.&nbsp;Kurdish-led forces established their autonomous administration during Syria’s civil war, almost a decade ago, with strong backing from the US, which armed and trained the SDF as its main local partner in the fight against the Islamic State group.With US military support, the SDF drove ISIS from much of northeastern Syria and went on to govern both Kurdish and Arab-majority areas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/karachi-mall-fire-toll-may-rise-as-60-reported-missing-sindh-cm-says-6-confirmed-dead-1768754319232">Karachi mall fire toll may rise as 60 reported missing, Sindh CM says 6 confirmed dead</a>&nbsp;Post-ceasefire, Syrian authorities will take over civilian institutions, border crossings, and oil and gas fields.SDF military and security personnel will be integrated into Syria’s defence and interior ministries after vetting. Damascus will assume responsibility for prisons and detention camps holding tens of thousands of foreign ISIS fighters and their families.&nbsp;Damascus will now also recognise Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights, like giving an official language status to Kurdish and marking the Kurdish new year as a national holiday.&nbsp;The agreement also reaffirms Syria’s participation in the US-led coalition against Islamic State.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-time-to-look-for-new-leadership-in-iran-says-trump-calls-khamenei-a-sick-man-1768673868819">‘It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran,’ says Trump, calls Khamenei a ‘sick man’</a>&nbsp;The agreement comes as tensions between government forces and the SDF boiled over earlier this month, eventually resulting in a major push toward the east. The SDF appeared to have largely retreated after initial clashes on a tense frontline area in eastern Aleppo province. Syria’s Defence Ministry said it has ordered the fighting to halt on the frontlines after the agreement.&nbsp;Syria’s new leaders have struggled to assert their full authority over the war-torn country since toppling Bashar Assad in December 2024.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the deal would allow Syrian state institutions to reassert control over three eastern and northern governorates—al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and Raqqa. The announcement came after al-Sharaa met US special envoy Tom Barrack, who hailed the agreement.

The Syrian government has announced an immediate nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), taking almost full control of the country and ending nearly two weeks of fighting, according to Syrian state media. The Syrian government now takes almost full control of the country, while the Kurdish-led forces that controlled the northeast for over a decade will be dismantled. The ceasefire forms part of a broader 14-point agreement that will see the SDF integrated into Syria’s military and state institutions. President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the deal would allow Syrian state institutions to reassert control over three eastern and northern governorates—al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and Raqqa. The announcement came after a meeting between al-Sharaa and the US special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, in Damascus. Barrack praised the agreement as a step toward a ‘unified Syria’. Also Read: Pakistan and Jordan also get invites to join Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace SDF commander Mazloum Abdi was expected to attend the meeting but was unable to travel due to weather conditions, with his visit postponed until Monday, said al-Sharaa. Kurdish-led forces established their autonomous administration during Syria’s civil war, almost a decade ago, with strong backing from the US, which armed and trained the SDF as its main local partner in the fight against the Islamic State group. With US military support, the SDF drove ISIS from much of northeastern Syria and went on to govern both Kurdish and Arab-majority areas. Also Read: Karachi mall fire toll may rise as 60 reported missing, Sindh CM says 6 confirmed dead Post-ceasefire, Syrian authorities will take over civilian institutions, border crossings, and oil and gas fields. SDF military and security personnel will be integrated into Syria’s defence and interior ministries after vetting. Damascus will assume responsibility for prisons and detention camps holding tens of thousands of foreign ISIS fighters and their families. Damascus will now also recognise Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights, like giving an official language status to Kurdish and marking the Kurdish new year as a national holiday. The agreement also reaffirms Syria’s participation in the US-led coalition against Islamic State. Also Read: ‘It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran,’ says Trump, calls Khamenei a ‘sick man’ The agreement comes as tensions between government forces and the SDF boiled over earlier this month, eventually resulting in a major push toward the east. The SDF appeared to have largely retreated after initial clashes on a tense frontline area in eastern Aleppo province. Syria’s Defence Ministry said it has ordered the fighting to halt on the frontlines after the agreement. Syria’s new leaders have struggled to assert their full authority over the war-torn country since toppling Bashar Assad in December 2024.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the deal would allow Syrian state institutions to reassert control over three eastern and northern governorates—al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and Raqqa. The announcement came after al-Sharaa met US special envoy Tom Barrack, who hailed the agreement.

Syrian govt announces ceasefire with Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces

Syria's army has said it captured the Tabqa military airport in Raqa province, previously held by Kurdish forces.

Syrian Army Says Has Taken Airport in Kurdish-Held City of Tabqa

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has issued a landmark presidential decree that for the first time formally recognises the rights of the country's Kurdish minority, including recognising the Kurdish language as a national language and restoring citizenship to previously stateless Kurdish Syrians, reported Al Jazeera. The move, announced on Friday amid ongoing tensions in the country's north, is being described by officials as a major step toward addressing decades of marginalisation and integrating Kurds more fully into Syria's national framework. Decree No. 13 of 2026 declares Syrians of Kurdish origin an "essential and integral part" of the Syrian people and affirms that their cultural and linguistic identity is an inseparable component of the nation's diverse identity. Under the decree, the Kurdish language is designated a national language alongside Arabic and may be taught in public and private schools in areas where Kurdish communities are significant. In a symbolic gesture, the decree also makes Nowruz, the Kurdish New Year celebrated on March 21, a paid official public holiday nationwide, describing it as a national celebration of spring and fraternity. The government has committed to protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and to safeguarding the rights of Kurds to preserve their heritage and arts while developing their mother tongue within the framework of Syria's sovereignty, reported Al Jazeera. Another key component of the decree is the abolition of discriminatory laws and measures dating back to a controversial 1962 census in Hasakah province, which stripped many Kurds of Syrian nationality. The new decree grants full citizenship and equal rights to all Kurdish Syrians, including those previously registered as stateless. The decree also prohibits ethnic or linguistic discrimination and requires state institutions and media to adopt an inclusive national discourse. Penalties are stipulated for those who incite ethnic strife, reflecting an official push toward national unity after more than a decade of conflict. However, the decree comes against a backdrop of continued conflict and mistrust. Recent fierce clashes between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Aleppo left at least 23 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands, underscoring persistent tensions. Negotiations between Damascus and Kurdish authorities to integrate Kurdish civil and military structures into the Syrian state have made limited progress, and many observers remain cautious about whether the decree will translate into lasting peace or tangible changes on the ground. Despite these challenges, Syrian officials and Kurdish representatives alike have hailed the decree as historic, marking the first formal recognition of Kurdish rights since Syria's independence in 1946.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The move, announced on Friday amid ongoing tensions in the countrys north, is being described by officials as a major step toward addressing decades of marginalisation and integrating Kurds more fully into Syrias national framework.

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has issued a landmark presidential decree that for the first time formally recognises the rights of the country's Kurdish minority, including recognising the Kurdish language as a national language and restoring citizenship to previously stateless Kurdish Syrians, reported Al Jazeera. The move, announced on Friday amid ongoing tensions in the country's north, is being described by officials as a major step toward addressing decades of marginalisation and integrating Kurds more fully into Syria's national framework. Decree No. 13 of 2026 declares Syrians of Kurdish origin an "essential and integral part" of the Syrian people and affirms that their cultural and linguistic identity is an inseparable component of the nation's diverse identity. Under the decree, the Kurdish language is designated a national language alongside Arabic and may be taught in public and private schools in areas where Kurdish communities are significant. In a symbolic gesture, the decree also makes Nowruz, the Kurdish New Year celebrated on March 21, a paid official public holiday nationwide, describing it as a national celebration of spring and fraternity. The government has committed to protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and to safeguarding the rights of Kurds to preserve their heritage and arts while developing their mother tongue within the framework of Syria's sovereignty, reported Al Jazeera. Another key component of the decree is the abolition of discriminatory laws and measures dating back to a controversial 1962 census in Hasakah province, which stripped many Kurds of Syrian nationality. The new decree grants full citizenship and equal rights to all Kurdish Syrians, including those previously registered as stateless. The decree also prohibits ethnic or linguistic discrimination and requires state institutions and media to adopt an inclusive national discourse. Penalties are stipulated for those who incite ethnic strife, reflecting an official push toward national unity after more than a decade of conflict. However, the decree comes against a backdrop of continued conflict and mistrust. Recent fierce clashes between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Aleppo left at least 23 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands, underscoring persistent tensions. Negotiations between Damascus and Kurdish authorities to integrate Kurdish civil and military structures into the Syrian state have made limited progress, and many observers remain cautious about whether the decree will translate into lasting peace or tangible changes on the ground. Despite these challenges, Syrian officials and Kurdish representatives alike have hailed the decree as historic, marking the first formal recognition of Kurdish rights since Syria's independence in 1946. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The move, announced on Friday amid ongoing tensions in the country's north, is being described by officials as a major step toward addressing decades of marginalisation and integrating Kurds more fully into Syria's national framework.

Syria issues historic decree recognising Kurdish language, rights in push for national inclusion

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a withdrawal from eastern Aleppo areas on January 16, 2026, following clashes with Syrian government troops and amid international mediation pressure. Civilians have fled SDF-held zones due to intensified fighting around Deir Hafer and Maskanah, with Syrian army reinforcements advancing toward Kurdish fronts east of the city. 

SDF Pulls Back from Aleppo as Civilians Flee Kurdish Zones

In 2026, global stability is threatened by escalating conflicts from the Middle East to the Sahel. Israel continues strikes in Syria and Gaza, while Sudan faces a deepening displacement crisis. Tensions in Iran, Yemen and the Taiwan Strait add to the volatile outlook for the year ahead.

In 2026, global stability is threatened by escalating conflicts from the Middle East to the Sahel. Israel continues strikes in Syria and Gaza, while Sudan faces a deepening displacement crisis. Tensions in Iran, Yemen and the Taiwan Strait add to the volatile outlook for the year ahead.

'From Iran to Syria': 7 Conflicts to watch in 2026

Syrian government forces have detained 300 Kurds and evacuated more than 400 Kurdish fighters after clashes in Aleppo, the interior ministry has said, as US and allied forces carried out separate “large-scale” strikes against Islamic State targets.

Syrian Forces Detain 300 Kurds, Aleppo Unrest Challenges President Ahmed Al-Sharaa's Leadership

US and allied forces have carried out large scale airstrikes against the Islamic State group across Syria following a deadly attack in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter. The US military said the strikes were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched in direct response to the December attack on American and Syrian forces. The operation targeted ISIS positions throughout Syria as Washington and its partners continue efforts to prevent the militant group from regrouping despite the collapse of its territorial control.

US launches Strikes Against I-S in Syria | Syria Kurdish Fighters Withdraw From Aleppo

The Syrian government says its forces have reasserted control over violence-hit neighborhoods in Aleppo after dozens of fighters with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) laid down their arms after days of intense fighting.


US Strikes Syria: US Carries Out Drone Strike on Aleppo Governorate Building 

The Syrian government says its forces have reasserted control over violence-hit neighborhoods in Aleppo after dozens of fighters with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) laid down their arms after days of intense fighting.

US Strikes Syria: Drone Strike Hit Aleppo Governorate Building 

The Syrian army is locked in intense fighting in Aleppo after Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters refused to withdraw under a ceasefire, as more civilians fled their homes to escape the violence in the northern Syrian city.

Syrian Army Ramps Up Aleppo Strikes Against SDF Fighters

 U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed construction of a ski resort in a bid to improve Israel-Syria ties. The resort will be located at Mount Hermon which lies in the demilitarised zone occupied by Israeli troops. Previously, 'Gaza Riviera' featured in his grand plan for West Asia.


Donald Trump dreams of building luxury ski resort in war-ravaged Syria 

Clashes have erupted between Kurdish forces and government troops in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, raising concerns over renewed instability in the region amid ongoing conflict dynamics.

Syria: Kurdish and Government Forces Clash in the Northern City of Aleppo

President Donald Trump reportedly plans to build a luxury ski resort in Syria, raising questions about feasibility, investment, and geopolitical implications in the region.

Donald Trump Plans Luxury Ski Resort in Syria Amid Controversy

Israel and Syria have resumed talks aimed at easing tensions along their shared border after a months-long hiatus, Israel's Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday, as a new round of negotiations began in Paris. In a statement, the office said the dialogue was being mediated by the United States. Israel said the two sides agreed to continue talks "to advance shared objectives and safeguard the security of the Druze minority in Syria."


Israel-Syria talks: US brokered talks aimed at facilitating military de-escalation

Talks in Paris between Israel and Syria will continue for a second day today. 


Israel-Syria: Talks Between Israel and Syria Set to Continue for 2nd Day in Paris 

Clashes between government troops and Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria’s Aleppo killed at least nine people today, mostly civilians, in one of the worst flare-ups between the sides in months.

Syria Clashes: Nine Dead in Clashes Between Syria Govt, Kurdish Forces in Aleppo

The UK’s Ministry of Defence says an underground facility likely storing ISIL weapons was the target of the attack, but the area was ‘devoid of any civilian habitation’.


UK, France carry out joint strike on isil target near Syria’s Palmyra

British RAF Typhoon jets and French fighter aircraft carried out a joint strike on January 3, 2026, destroying an ISIS underground weapons facility near Palmyra, Syria, using precision-guided Paveway IV bombs with no civilian casualties reported.

British RAF Typhoon jets and French fighter aircraft carried out a joint strike on January 3, 2026, destroying an ISIS underground weapons facility near Palmyra, Syria, using precision-guided Paveway IV bombs with no civilian casualties reported.

‘Joint operation’: ISIS underground site and weapons destroyed by British and French fighter jets

An unidentified missile hit an area of the Syrian capital, Damascus, home to a military airport, on Saturday, state media reported.

Syria: Missile Hits Near Military Airport In Syria’s Damascus |

At least three people were killed during clashes amid Alawite protests. The demonstrations escalated into violent confrontations, raising concerns over security and stability in the region. Authorities are monitoring the situation as tensions continue to rise.

Syria Alawites Protests: 3 Killed in Clashes During Alawite Protest, Violence Erupts in Region 

A blast has been reported at a mosque in Homs, Syria. Authorities are investigating the incident, and emergency services are responding to assess damage and casualties. The situation is developing, with local reports highlighting the impact on the surrounding area.


Thousands of Alawites Throng the Streets of Syria Against Attack on Mosque That Killed 8

A blast has been reported at a mosque in Homs, Syria. Authorities are investigating the incident, and emergency services are responding to assess damage and casualties. The situation is developing, with local reports highlighting the impact on the surrounding area.

Syria Mosque Blast: At Least Eight People Killed; Blast Hits Alawite Area in Homs City

Israel is growing increasingly concerned about Türkiye's expanding military role in Syria. Western intelligence sources say Türkiye, in recent weeks, has been trying to deploy radar systems inside Syria. If installed, those radars could significantly limit Israel's ability to operate freely in Syrian airspace.

Türkiye's Radars in Syria Threaten to Block Israeli Strikes Inside Iran

President Donald Trump said he had ordered the US military to launch "powerful and deadly" strikes against targets of the so-called Islamic State (IS or ISIS) group in northwestern Nigeria.

The strike comes after months of Trump threatening military action against what he labeled an "existential threat" to Christianity in Nigeria, a claim that the country's government rejects.

Nigeria Confirms US Requested 'Precision Hits on Terrorist Targets'

Syria Mosque Explosion: Blast Reported at Mosque in Homs, Syria

At least eight people were killed and 21 others injured in an explosion inside a mosque of the Alawite minority sect in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday, according to state media. A Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) report said preliminary information indicates that the blast occurred inside the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood of Homs city in Central Syria. The mosque is located in an Alawite-majority area of Homs. The blast took place during Friday noon prayers, when there is the biggest crowd in the mosque. Earlier, in a post on X, SANA cited the Syrian Ministry of Health as saying that 5 people were killed and 21 injured in the explosion at Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood of Homs.&nbsp;There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Syrian authorities announced that an investigation had begun to identify any suspects. Security forces have cordoned off the area as investigations continue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Syrian Ministry of Health: 5 people killed and 21 injured in the explosion at Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Homs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Homs</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/explosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#explosion</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mosque?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mosque</a> <a href="https://t.co/t7MFnEtgHN">pic.twitter.com/t7MFnEtgHN</a>&mdash; SANA English (@SANAEnOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SANAEnOfficial/status/2004508065564168649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mothers-have-blind-love-for-raja-betas-who-can-be-villainous-says-hc-gives-30-year-jail-to-man-in-rape-murder-case-1766744403407">Mothers have blind love for ‘raja betas’ who can be villainous, says HC, gives 30-year jail to man in rape, murder case</a>&nbsp;Syrian Health Ministry official said the figures were a preliminary toll, indicating they could rise. Dr. Najib Al-Naasan, Director of the Referral, Ambulance and Emergency Directorate at the Syrian Ministry of Health, later told SANA, “The number of victims of the explosion at the Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi Al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs has risen to 8 people, and 18 injured, in a preliminary count.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-of-wars-tariff-turmoil-and-climate-disasters-1766568207775">Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters</a>&nbsp;The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the nature of the attack remains under investigation, and it is currently unclear whether the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber or an improvised explosive device (IED).&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Blatant attack on human and moral values,’ says Syrian foreign ministry</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Syrian Arab Republic expressed its strong condemnation of the mosque's bombing during Friday prayers.&nbsp;“This cowardly criminal act constitutes a blatant attack on human and moral values ​​and comes within the context of repeated desperate attempts to undermine security and stability and sow chaos among the Syrian people,” said the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.&nbsp;“Syria reiterates its firm stance in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasizes that such crimes will not deter the Syrian state from continuing its efforts to consolidate security, protect citizens, and hold those involved in these criminal acts accountable,” it added.&nbsp;<h2>Violent attacks targeting religious sites in Syria raise concerns</h2>&nbsp;The incident marks the latest in a series of violent attacks targeting religious sites in Syria, raising concerns over civilian safety and sectarian tensions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-dissent-and-angst-triggered-mass-protests-worldwide-1766674340518">Yearender 2025: The year dissent and angst triggered mass protests worldwide</a>&nbsp;On June 22, a suicide attack targeted the Greek Orthodox Saint Elias Church in the Duwaylaa neighbourhood of Damascus. In that incident, a gunman stormed the church during mass, opening fire before detonating an explosive belt.&nbsp;The attack, which killed at least 25 people and injured more than 60, was claimed by ‘Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah’, a group believed to be linked to the Islamic State (IS).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-may-darkness-give-way-to-dawn-sheikh-hasina-slams-yunus-govt-over-attacks-on-minorities-1766685102235">‘Perpetrating unspeakable atrocities’: Sheikh Hasina slams Yunus govt over attacks on minorities</a>&nbsp;Besides, there was an arson attack on Saint Michael’s Church earlier this month and the vandalism of a Virgin Mary statue at Saint Cyril Church in Damascus in early November.

The blast took place during Friday noon prayers, when there is the biggest crowd in the mosque located in an Alawite-majority area of Homs. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting religious sites in Syria, raising concerns over civilian safety and sectarian tensions.

At least eight people were killed and 21 others injured in an explosion inside a mosque of the Alawite minority sect in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday, according to state media. A Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) report said preliminary information indicates that the blast occurred inside the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighbourhood of Homs city in Central Syria. The mosque is located in an Alawite-majority area of Homs. The blast took place during Friday noon prayers, when there is the biggest crowd in the mosque. Earlier, in a post on X, SANA cited the Syrian Ministry of Health as saying that 5 people were killed and 21 injured in the explosion at Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood of Homs. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Syrian authorities announced that an investigation had begun to identify any suspects. Security forces have cordoned off the area as investigations continue.