France condemns Syria mosque blast as terrorist plot to destabilize nation

France has issued a strong condemnation of the terrorist attack that targeted a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs, describing it as part of a calculated campaign to destabilize the country. In a statement on Friday, the French Foreign Ministry denounced the "abhorrent terrorist act" at the Imam Ali Mosque, which left at least eight worshippers dead and 18 injured.

A Pattern of Destabilization

The French statement linked the Homs attack to a similar assault on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus last June, framing both as elements of "a deliberate strategy aimed at destabilizing Syria and the transitional authorities." It asserted that such attacks seek to "spread terror and undermine ongoing efforts" to build peace and stability within a "unified and pluralistic Syria." France reaffirmed its commitment to combating violent extremism and continuing its action against terrorism in Syria alongside the International Coalition against Daesh.

Context of the Attack and Political Transition

The bombing occurred in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs, a city that has witnessed significant conflict during Syria's long civil war. The attack challenges the security efforts of the new Syrian administration under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, which was formed in January following the end of the Baath Party regime and the departure of former leader Bashar al-Assad to Russia. The transitional government is currently working to tighten security nationwide and pursue remnants of the former regime accused of fomenting unrest.

International Perspectives on Syrian Stability

The French condemnation aligns with broader international concern over Syria's fragile stability. While nations differ on their approach to the Syrian political transition, there is a shared interest in preventing a security vacuum that terrorist groups can exploit. Türkiye, which shares a long border with Syria and has consistently advocated for a political solution that ensures territorial integrity and the safe return of refugees, views such terrorist attacks as grave threats to the normalization and lasting peace of its neighbor. Combating terrorism in all its forms remains a key pillar of regional policy for both Ankara and its international partners.