In the heart of Homs, Syria, a poignant scene unfolded as hundreds of mourners braved the elements on Saturday to pay their respects to the victims of a tragic bombing. The attack, which occurred the day prior, claimed eight lives and left 18 others injured, casting a somber shadow over the city.

Gathering at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque within the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood—home to a predominantly Alawite community—the mourners stood united in grief. Despite the rain and cold, they came together before solemnly proceeding in convoys to lay the victims to rest.

Authorities, still delving into the early stages of their investigation, have suggested that explosive devices were planted within the mosque. However, they have yet to officially name any suspects responsible for the heinous act.

The shadowy group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, claimed responsibility for this attack through a statement on their Telegram channel. They revealed that the bombing specifically targeted members of the Alawite sect, a branch of Shia Islam often deemed heretical by extremist factions.

This group had previously taken credit for a chilling incident in June, where a gunman launched a suicide attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a, near Damascus. That assault, which involved both gunfire and an explosive vest, tragically ended with 25 worshippers losing their lives during a Sunday service.

A neighbor of the mosque, who asked to be identified only by the honorific Abu Ahmad (“father of Ahmad”) out of security concerns, said he was at home when he heard the sound of a “very very strong explosion.”

He and other neighbors went to the mosque and saw terrified people running out of it, he said. They entered and began trying to help the wounded, amid blood and scattered body parts on the floor.

While the neighborhood is primarily Alawite, he said the mosque had always been open to members of all sects to pray.

“It’s the house of God,” he said. “The mosque’s door is open to everyone. No one ever asked questions. Whoever wants to enter can enter.”

Mourners were unable to enter the mosque to pray Saturday because the crime scene remained cordoned off, so they prayed outside.

Some then marched through the streets chanting “Ya Ali,” in reference to the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law whom Shiite Muslims consider to be his rightful successor.