The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's strong condemnation of the treacherous terrorist attack that targeted the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Syria, which threatened the lives of innocent civilians and violated the sanctity of places of worship. In an official statement, the Ministry affirmed the Kingdom's categorical rejection of all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism, regardless of their motives or justifications.
The Kingdom stressed its full solidarity and support for the Syrian Arab Republic and its brotherly people in the face of all that threatens its security and stability, expressing its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the Syrian government and people, with its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
The renewed context of Saudi-Syrian relations
This firm Saudi stance comes in the context of a new phase in diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Damascus, especially after the resumption of the Saudi diplomatic mission's work in Syria and Damascus's return to its seat in the Arab League in 2023. This statement reflects the Kingdom's commitment to supporting Syria's stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, an approach adopted by the Saudi leadership to strengthen joint Arab action and end the state of tension that has prevailed in the region for years.
The sanctity of places of worship in laws and customs
Targeting places of worship, such as the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque, is a blatant violation of human values and the tolerant principles of Islam, as well as a breach of international laws and conventions that criminalize attacks on holy sites and civilians. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently called upon the international community to intensify efforts to protect civilian and religious sites and to eradicate the sources of intellectual and physical terrorism, which respects neither the sanctity of place nor time.
Regional impact and the importance of combating terrorism
This attack carries grave implications, indicating the continued attempts by terrorist organizations to destabilize the region, thus necessitating closer regional and international cooperation. Political circles view Saudi Arabia's condemnation as a strong message of support for the Syrian state in its war against extremist factions, and as a reaffirmation that the security of the region's countries is indivisible. The continuation of such attacks hinders reconstruction efforts and the return of refugees, making Arab political and security support for Syria an urgent necessity at this critical juncture.
