In a tragic incident, a suicide bombing at a church in Dweila, Damascus, left at least 20 dead and over 50 injured. The attacker, linked to ISIS, opened fire before detonating an explosive vest. The area is now secured by security forces as investigations proceed.
Suicide Attack at Damascus Church Claims 20 Lives, Authorities Report
Suicide Attack at Damascus Church Claims 20 Lives, Authorities Report
A suicide bomber detonated explosives during a service at Mar Elias Church on the outskirts of Damascus, resulting in numerous casualties.
At least 20 individuals have been confirmed dead and 52 others injured following a devastating suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church located on the outskirts of Damascus, as reported by Syria's health ministry. The attacker reportedly entered the church during a service, first opening fire on the congregation before activating the explosive vest he was wearing. The Syrian interior ministry has indicated that the assailant was affiliated with the jihadist group known as Islamic State (IS), although the group has yet to claim responsibility for the attack.
Images circulated by the Syrian Civil Defence, commonly referred to as the White Helmets, revealed the scene inside the church, featuring a severely damaged altar, shattered pews, and a floor stained with blood. Eyewitnesses recounted moments of chaos, describing how someone entered the church armed and began shooting, prompting attempts by worshippers to apprehend the attacker before the explosion occurred. One onlooker detailed, "We saw fire in the church and the remains of wooden benches thrown all the way to the entrance."
Following the attack, security forces promptly cordoned off the vicinity surrounding the church as investigations into the tragic event were launched. This incident marks the first bombing of its kind in Damascus since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's control by rebel forces in December.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who leads the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — formerly associated with al-Qaeda in the region — has vowed to safeguard the rights of religious and ethnic minorities. However, Syria has witnessed two recent waves of severe sectarian violence, highlighting ongoing tensions within the country.
