A suicide bomber attacked Mar Elias Church in Dweila, Damascus, killing at least 20 people and injuring 52 others. The perpetrator, linked to the Islamic State, opened fire before detonating explosives, marking the first such incident in the capital since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Tragic Suicide Bombing Strikes Damascus Church, Leaving 20 Dead
Tragic Suicide Bombing Strikes Damascus Church, Leaving 20 Dead
A devastating attack during a church service in Damascus has resulted in numerous casualties and raised security concerns in the region.
A suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church in Dweila, on the outskirts of Damascus, has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, with an additional 52 suffering injuries, as reported by Syria's health ministry. The attack occurred while a church service was in progress when the assailant, reportedly affiliated with the jihadist group Islamic State (IS), entered the church and began firing before detonating a suicide vest.
Visual documentation shared by the Syrian Civil Defence, commonly known as the White Helmets, depicted a scene of devastation within the church, highlighting a heavily damaged altar, shattered pews, and bloodied floors. Witnesses described chaotic scenes outside the church, revealing details of the attack. One individual recounted, “someone entered carrying a weapon” and shots were fired prior to the explosion, indicating that worshippers attempted to intervene. Another bystander described witnessing flames inside the church and remnants of wooden benches scattered towards the entrance.
The area has been cordoned off by security forces, who have initiated an investigation into the alarming incident, according to the interior ministry's report. This tragic event is particularly notable as it marks the first attack of its kind in Damascus amid a backdrop of increased violence targeting religious minorities as the Syrian landscape has been shaken by two recent waves of sectarian conflict. Meanwhile, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has assured the protection of religious and ethnic minorities despite the ongoing turmoil.
No immediate claim of responsibility has been made by the Islamic State, underscoring the continuing threats posed by extremist groups in the region.
