| February 2016 Homs massacre | |
| Partof: | Syrian Civil War |
| Location: | Al-Zahra neighbourhood, Homs, Syria |
| Target: | Alawite civilians heading to work |
| Date: | 21 February 2016 |
| Time: | +3 |
| Timezone: | EEST |
| Type: | Mass murder |
| Fatalities: | 64[1] |
| Injuries: | 100+ |
| Weapons: | Car bombs |
| Motive: | Sectarian |
On 21 February 2016, two car bombs struck exploded in the predominantly Alawite neighborhood of al-Zahra in Homs, Syria.[2] The bombings killed at least 57 people and injured more than 100 others.[3] At least 60 surrounding buildings and dozens of cars were destroyed in the blasts.[4]
The bombings occurred during the Sunday morning rush hour on the Sixtieth Street. The initial death toll was 34, but rose due to the number of people critically injured.[5] According to a Syrian government television channel, they targeted students and government employees going to work. Dozens of vehicles were destroyed and a number of nearby buildings were damaged. It aimed supporters of the government at a time when it was making significant military gains.[6]
The bombings occurred on the same day as bombings in the Damascus suburb of Sayyidah Zaynab that killed at least 30.[7] The attacks in Homs and Damascus were claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.[3] [8]
Bombings in Homs in January 2016 had killed 22 people.[9]