Suicide Bombing Claims Lives at Damascus Church During Sunday Service
A suicide bomber attacked an Eastern Orthodox church near Damascus on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals and injuring 63 others. Reports indicate that the assailant opened fire before detonating an explosive vest within the church, which was filled with worshippers.
The incident occurred at Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a, located on the outskirts of Syria’s capital. This attack marks a significant escalation, being the first bombing of its kind in Syria in several years. It coincides with efforts by Damascus to foster support from minority groups under its new government following the removal of former dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Initial Investigations Suggest Islamic State Involvement
While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing, preliminary investigations by the Syrian Interior Ministry suggest links to the Islamic State group. According to officials, one gunman entered the church and fired upon those inside before detonating himself with explosives, corroborated by various eyewitness accounts.
The Minister of Information for Syria, Hamza Mostafa, condemned the attack as a terrorist act. He emphasized that “the security of places of worship is a red line,” asserting that both ISIS and remnants of Assad’s regime aim to destabilize Syria.
“This despicable act contradicts our shared civic values,” he stated on platform X. “We remain committed to equal citizenship and reaffirm our pledge to combat criminal organizations while ensuring societal safety.”
Details Surrounding the Attack
Witnesses recounted that a masked gunman entered and began shooting at congregants. As members of the crowd attempted to subdue him, he detonated his explosives near the entrance. Reports indicated that children may have been among those killed.
In response to this tragedy, Hind Kabawat, Syria’s Social Affairs and Labour Minister who represents Christians and women in government, visited clergy members later that evening to offer her condolences.
Father Fadi Ghattas noted there were around 350 people present during services when he personally witnessed at least 20 fatalities. He remarked on how individuals were praying peacefully at that moment.
Additionally, another priest reported observing a second shooter who fired at churchgoers prior to the detonation incident.
As President Ahmad al-Sharaa continues his efforts to assert control throughout Syria, concerns remain regarding potential sleeper cells operated by extremist factions within the war-torn nation.
