The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the treacherous terrorist attack that targeted the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the city of Homs in the Syrian Arab Republic, during the performance of Friday prayers, which resulted in a number of victims and injuries in a flagrant violation of the sanctity of the houses of God and the lives of innocent people.
In its official statement, the Kingdom reiterated its firm stance against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism, regardless of their motives or justifications, emphasizing the abhorrence of targeting places of worship and terrorizing innocent civilians. The Ministry affirmed the Kingdom's full solidarity with the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic in this grave tragedy, expressing its continued support for the efforts of the Syrian government to combat terrorist organizations and establish security and stability throughout Syria.
This Saudi stance is a continuation of the positive developments in relations between the two countries. The past period witnessed the resumption of diplomatic relations and Syria's return to its seat in the Arab League, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to Syria's security, territorial integrity, and social cohesion. Riyadh views Syria's stability as an integral part of the security of the entire Arab region, making the condemnation of such acts of sabotage a clear political and security message against the destabilizing attempts pursued by extremist groups.
This condemnation carries significant implications both regionally and internationally, as the Kingdom underscores the necessity of concerted international efforts to eradicate the sources of terrorism and prevent the exploitation of religion to sow sectarian strife, particularly in cities that have suffered for years from the ravages of conflict, such as Homs. Targeting mosques represents a desperate attempt to undermine the gradual recovery underway in some Syrian regions, an attempt which the Kingdom firmly opposes through its support for a political solution and de-escalation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded its statement by offering sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims and to the government and people of brotherly Syria, asking God Almighty to have mercy on the deceased, to grant the injured a speedy recovery, and to perpetuate the blessings of security, safety and stability upon Syria and its people.
