Image: ln24SA
A devastating suicide bombing rocked the St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church near Damascus on Sunday, killing at least 22 people and injuring more than 60. Syrian officials have blamed ISIS for the attack, which marks the most lethal terrorist assault in the capital region in recent years.
According to the Syrian Interior Ministry, a suicide bomber believed to be affiliated with ISIS entered the church during a service and opened fire on worshippers before detonating an explosive vest. The blast caused widespread destruction inside the sanctuary and left many in critical condition.
Interior Minister Noureddine Al-Baba condemned the bombing as “a grave violation of the sanctity of religious sites” and labeled it an “act of deliberate terrorism meant to destabilize Syria’s fragile security.” Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting victims to nearby hospitals as security forces cordoned off the area.
Initial investigations, according to a ministry spokesman, suggest the attack was carried out by a lone ISIS operative who infiltrated the area undetected raising concerns about the presence of sleeper cells still active in the Damascus countryside.
The Mar Elias church, one of the oldest Orthodox sites in Syria, has been a symbol of religious coexistence throughout the country’s long-standing civil conflict. This attack has renewed fears among Christian communities in the region, many of whom have already endured waves of displacement and persecution during years of war.
Local officials and international observers have condemned the bombing. Calls for increased protection of religious institutions have intensified, with clergy and community leaders urging tighter security during worship services and public religious events.
While Syria has seen a relative decline in large-scale ISIS operations in recent years, this bombing is a stark reminder of the group’s continued ability to launch high-profile, symbolic attacks. Authorities say investigations are ongoing and promise to bring all collaborators to justice. The victims of St. Elias will be honored in a national day of mourning announced for Tuesday.
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