Syrian security forces have apprehended two individuals identified as members of the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group, accusing them of involvement in a devastating explosion at a mosque in Homs last month.
Details of the Attack and Arrests
The Syrian government stated that the two suspects were directly connected to the blast that ripped through the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque on Friday, December 26, 2025. The mosque is situated in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood, a predominantly Alawite area of the city of Homs.
Authorities provided the update on Monday, January 12, 2026, confirming the arrests were made by state security forces. While the official statement confirmed the detainees' affiliation with ISIS, it did not immediately release their identities or specify the precise charges beyond their alleged role in the bombing.
Scene of the Destruction
Images from the scene in the immediate aftermath, credited to the Associated Press, showed significant damage to the mosque structure. Syrian security personnel were photographed inspecting the wreckage, highlighting the severity of the attack which targeted a place of worship in a residential community.
The choice of target—a mosque in an Alawite neighborhood—carries significant sectarian undertones, as the Alawite community forms a core part of the Syrian government's support base. ISIS has a long history of targeting religious sites and communities it deems heretical.
Ongoing Security Implications
These arrests underscore the persistent, though diminished, threat posed by ISIS remnants in Syria. Despite the group's loss of its territorial caliphate years earlier, it continues to operate through sleeper cells and carry out insurgent-style attacks aimed at destabilizing the region.
The Homs bombing was one of the most serious attacks in government-held areas in recent months, raising concerns about the group's capacity to plan and execute significant operations. The Syrian government's announcement of the arrests appears to be an effort to demonstrate its control over security matters and its ongoing campaign against terrorism within its borders.
The investigation into the December 2025 mosque explosion is likely continuing, as authorities probe for potential accomplices and the full network behind the attack. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the complex and volatile security landscape that persists in parts of Syria.
