ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Regional countries on Friday condemned an explosion at a mosque in Syria’s Homs that led to several casualties, expressing solidarity with Damascus and reiterating their rejection of terrorist acts.

An explosion struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of the Alawite-majority Homs on Friday, killing at least 8 people and wounding 18 others, according to Syria’s state broadcaster.

Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, a Sunni Islamist militant group, claimed responsibility for the deadly attack through a statement on Telegram.

The group is reportedly an ally of Turkey-backed Syrian militias, and is described as anti-Shiite, anti-Alawite, anti-Druze, and anti-Christian. It was formed following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, and previously claimed responsibility for an attack on a church in Damascus in June.

A number of regional countries, predominantly Arab and Muslim states, released statements shortly after, condemning the incident.

Iraq, Syria’s neighbor, condemned the attack and affirmed its “categorical rejection” of “all forms of terrorism, violence, and extremism regardless of their motives or sources,” and emphasized support for regional and international efforts to eliminate “terrorism”.

The Iraqi foreign ministry also extended its “deepest condolences and sincere sympathies” to the families of the victims.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry similarly condemned the attack, affirming its “categorical rejection” of terrorist and extremist activities, and expressed solidarity with the country in the wake of security threats, in addition to extending “condolences and sympathy” to the victims.

The Turkish foreign affairs ministry released a statement condemning the explosion, extending its “sincere condolences to the Syrian government and people,” and affirming the country’s standing alongside Syria “which continues to strengthen its stability and security despite all provocations.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa and the victims of the deadly blast “with the most sincere condolences and deepest feelings of solidarity,” while renewing support for Damascus in its struggle “against terrorism.”

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly expressed its “condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist bombing,” affirming Doha’s “full solidarity” with Damascus and support for the government’s efforts to “maintain security.”

The Jordanian foreign ministry’s spokesperson Fouad al-Majali condemned the “terrorist explosion,” affirming Jordan’s continued support for rebuilding the country in a way that ensures security and stability. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.