Guterres condemns Homs mosque bombing: Call for accountability and protection of civilians
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs, specifically the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties, both dead and wounded. This statement reaffirms the United Nations' unwavering stance against all forms of violence and terrorism targeting innocent civilians and places of worship.
In an official statement issued by his spokesperson, the Secretary-General stressed the need for an immediate and transparent investigation to identify those responsible for this criminal act and bring them to justice. Guterres conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the bombing, wished a speedy recovery to all those injured, and reaffirmed the United Nations' solidarity with the civilians in Syria who continue to suffer the ravages of conflict and instability.
Targeting places of worship and violating international laws
Targeting religious sites and mosques is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and moral and humanitarian values. The United Nations and the international community view with grave concern the recurrence of such incidents, which aim to destabilize and incite sectarian strife in areas struggling to recover from the effects of a protracted war. Observers note that such attacks not only target individuals but also strike at the very heart of the social fabric and peaceful coexistence in Syrian cities.
The security context in Homs and the challenges to stability
The city of Homs holds significant strategic and symbolic importance in the Syrian landscape. After years of fierce fighting over the past decade, relative calm has prevailed in recent years following the government's recapture of the city. However, this terrorist bombing underscores the fragility of the security situation and the ongoing challenges to stabilization efforts. These incidents demonstrate that terrorist cells still possess the capability to launch sophisticated attacks targeting civilian gatherings at sensitive times and locations.
Regional and international reactions
Condemnation was not limited to the United Nations; regional condemnations of the attack also poured in. Saudi Arabia and several Arab and Western countries expressed their strong condemnation of the targeting of the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque, affirming their stance against violence and terrorism in all its forms. This international and regional consensus reflects growing concerns about the resurgence of extremist organizations and their impact on regional security.
In closing his statement, Guterres reiterated his call to all parties concerned to protect civilians and adhere to human rights principles, noting that a comprehensive political solution in accordance with Security Council resolutions is the only way to end the suffering in Syria and ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.
