Devastating Suicide Bombing Strikes Church in Damascus, Claiming 20 Lives

A suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church in Dweila, Damascus, has resulted in at least 20 fatalities and numerous injuries, as authorities investigate the attack linked to the Islamic State group. Eyewitnesses recount chaos as the attacker opened fire and detonated explosives.

At least 20 people are reported dead and 52 others injured following a horrific suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church in Dweila, located on the outskirts of Damascus. Syria's health ministry confirmed the casualties, while the interior ministry stated that the assailant, who had entered the church during a service, was affiliated with the jihadist group, Islamic State (IS). As of now, no direct claim of responsibility has been made by the group.

Images shared by the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, depict the extensive damage inflicted within the church, including a shattered altar, benches strewn with debris, and a blood-stained floor. A witness who spoke to AFP described the chaotic moment when “someone entered carrying a weapon” and began shooting before detonating the explosives.

Market workers nearby reported observing flames erupting from the church and wooden benches propelled towards the entrance due to the blast. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area around the church as investigations began into the attack.

This incident marks the first significant act of violence in central Damascus since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces in December. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim president whose group formerly had ties to al-Qaeda, has publicly vowed to safeguard religious and ethnic minorities. Nonetheless, Syria has witnessed two waves of severe sectarian discord recently, further complicating the nation’s security landscape.