In a devastating incident, at least 20 people have lost their lives, and 52 others have sustained injuries due to a suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church, located on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria. According to reports from Syria's health ministry, the attack occurred during a church service, marking a significant escalation in violence in the region.
The assailant reportedly entered Mar Elias Church in Dweila while a service was ongoing. Eyewitness accounts shared with the AFP news agency indicate that the attacker opened fire using a weapon before detonating an explosive vest. The Syrian interior ministry has stated that the attacker has ties to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS), although the group has yet to claim responsibility for the bombing.
The Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, released harrowing images and videos from the scene, showing a church altar severely damaged, pews scattered with broken glass, and a floor stained with blood. One eyewitness described the chaos outside the church, stating that an individual armed with a weapon entered and began shooting, leading to a desperate attempt by congregants to subdue him before he detonated his explosives.
In the aftermath of the attack, security forces have cordoned off the area surrounding the church and are actively investigating the incident, as per statements from the interior ministry. This bombing marks the first major attack in Damascus since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces in December, raising concerns about the stability of the region.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who leads the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—a former affiliate of al-Qaeda in Syria—has made commitments to safeguard the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in the country. However, Syria has recently witnessed two significant waves of deadly sectarian violence, casting doubt on the effectiveness of these promises amidst ongoing unrest.
The tragic events at Mar Elias Church underscore the precarious security situation in Syria and the persistent threat posed by extremist groups. As investigations unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can restore peace and stability to this war-torn nation.
