Paris: France on Friday condemned the "terrorist" attack at a mosque in Syria, calling it a "deliberate strategy aimed at destabilizing" the country and "transitional authorities." The attack took place at the Imam Ali Mosque in Homs, resulting in the deaths of at least eight worshippers.

According to Anadolu Agency, France's Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the attack as an abhorrent act of terrorism. The ministry noted that this incident, similar to the attack on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus last June, appears to be part of a broader strategy to destabilize Syria and its transitional authorities.

The statement emphasized France's denunciation of attempts to spread terror and undermine ongoing efforts to establish peace and stability within a unified and pluralistic Syria. The ministry reaffirmed France's commitment to combating violent extremism and supporting efforts against terrorism in Syria alongside its partners in the International Coalition against Daesh.

Earlier in the day, the attack at the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque on Al-Khodari Street in the Wadi al-Dhahab neighborhood of Homs left at least eight people dead and 18 others injured. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the new Syrian administration.

The new administration, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, was formed in January after Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, ending the Baath Party's rule since 1963. The transitional government is focused on tightening security conditions nationwide and addressing remnants of the former regime accused of causing unrest.