RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned an explosion at a mosque of the Alawite minority sect in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday that killed eight people. The city’s press office said an explosive device had detonated inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib mosque and that security forces had cordoned off the area. Syrian news agency SANA cited health ministry official Najib Al-Naasan as saying 18 others were wounded and that the figures were not final, indicating they could rise. Extremist Syrian group Saraya Ansar Al-Sunnah said on its Telegram channels that it carried out the attack.

Three killed and five injured in mosque explosion in Homs, Syria; investigation ongoing into possible suicide bomber involvement.

Syrian state media says security forces have imposed a cordon around the area and are investigating.