A devastating attack unfolded within the walls of a Damascus church on Sunday, claiming the lives of at least 22 individuals and injuring over 50 more, according to Syrian officials.
The tragic incident occurred during a mass at the Mar Elias Church in Dweila, situated on the outskirts of Syria's capital. The assailant, suspected to be linked to the Islamic State, reportedly entered the church, fired upon the congregation, and subsequently detonated an explosive vest, as detailed by the Syrian Interior Ministry.
According to the Daily Caller, Rawad, a local witness, recounted to the Associated Press, "He was shooting at the church he then went inside the church and blew himself up." The aftermath, captured in images by Syria Civil Defence, depicted a scene of destruction with shattered pews and debris-strewn floors. Reports indicate that among the deceased were children, further amplifying the tragedy of the event.
This incident marks the first significant suicide bombing in Damascus since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has denounced the attack, pledging to eliminate any remaining terrorist factions. Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mostafa labeled the assault as "cowardly," assuring that "the state will exert all efforts to protect society from all attacks threatening its safety," as reported by Al Jazeera.
The international community, including the United Nations, France, and Turkey, has condemned the bombing, viewing it as a deliberate attempt to destabilize Syria during its delicate reconstruction phase. U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen described the attack as a "heinous crime" and called for a comprehensive investigation.
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