Suicide blast hits Damascus church
A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Damascus resulted in at least 20 fatalities and over 50 injuries, marking a significant resurgence of violence in the city. This attack, attributed to a member of the Islamic State, is the first successful suicide bombing in Damascus since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December.
According to Syria's interior ministry, the attacker entered the church during a packed Sunday Mass, opened fire on worshippers, and detonated an explosive vest. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as congregants attempted to confront the bomber before the explosion. A second individual may have been involved in the attack, although details remain unclear.
The Syrian health ministry confirmed the casualties, with injuries ranging from serious to critical, including children. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took office in January, condemned the attack and reiterated the government's commitment to protecting religious minorities in the fragile post-Assad security landscape.
The incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by Islamic State, which, despite losing its territorial control, continues to exploit security vulnerabilities in urban areas. The attack has drawn condemnation from various international entities, including the Greek government and UN envoy Geir Pedersen, who called for enhanced protection for Christian communities in Syria.
In response to the attack, authorities are investigating the incident and preparing to strengthen security measures around vulnerable sites. This tragic event highlights the persistent risks faced by religious minorities in Syria, as the country grapples with the aftermath of years of conflict and instability.
