A devastating suicide bombing attack struck the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, killing at least 22 people and wounding 63 others, according to state media. The explosion occurred during Sunday mass, catching worshippers off guard and leaving a trail of destruction and bloodshed.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene, with one eyewitness, Rawad, recounting, “He was shooting at the church… he then went inside the church and blew himself up”. The blast caused significant damage to the church’s interior, with pews covered in debris and blood.
The Syrian Interior Ministry attributed the attack to the Islamic State (IS) group, stating that a fighter entered the church and fired at people before detonating himself with an explosives vest. This incident marks a significant escalation in violence in Syria, particularly targeting religious minorities.
The attack drew widespread condemnation from the international community, with the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, denouncing it as a “heinous crime” and a “terrorist attack”. Pedersen also called for a full investigation and action by the authorities.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch released a statement, saying, “The treacherous hand of evil struck this evening, claiming our lives, along with the lives of our loved ones who fell today as martyrs during the evening divine liturgy”.
Turkish Foreign Ministry officials described the attack as “treacherous” and an attempt to disrupt efforts to achieve stability and security in Syria. Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mostafa also condemned the blast, calling it a “terrorist” attack that “goes against the civic values that bring us together”. He emphasized the state’s commitment to combating criminal organizations and protecting society from threats.
The attack highlights concerns about the presence of sleeper cells of groups like ISIL in Syria, which has been recovering from nearly 14 years of devastating war. The country’s interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, faces challenges in exerting authority across Syria while ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Despite efforts to win the support of minorities, the attack underscores the need for sustained security measures to prevent such incidents.
The church bombing serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security threats in Syria, even as the country attempts to rebuild and reintegrate into the international community. The incident will likely prompt further scrutiny of Syria’s security apparatus and its ability to protect vulnerable communities.