ISIS strikes church in Damascus, killing 25 worshippers
- The attack on the Mar Elias church resulted in 25 deaths and 63 injuries during a Sunday service.
- ISIS has been implicated in the bombing, with multiple arrests made linked to the terrorist group.
- The incident highlights the ongoing security threats faced by religious minorities in Syria.
In Syria, a tragic attack occurred at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church located in Dweil'a near Damascus, which took place during a Divine Liturgy on a Sunday. A gunman entered the church and opened fire on the congregants before detonating an explosive vest, resulting in 25 fatalities and injuring 63 others. This incident represents the first known suicide bombing targeting a church in the country since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011. The Syrian Interior Ministry’s preliminary investigation pointed to the Islamic State group being behind the attack, blaming their sleeper cells for the violence. The attack took place against the backdrop of ongoing political strife in Syria and amidst previous efforts by the new government to enhance support among minority communities, including Christians, who have faced persecution amid the conflict. In response to the bombing, the Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, emphasized the need for unity and vowed to bring those responsible for the attack to justice. Furthermore, many arrests have been made, including individuals affiliated with ISIS, and the authorities claimed to have seized various explosive devices linked to the attackers. This incident has intensified fears among the Christian community in Syria, who have witnessed a significant reduction in their population due to emigration and violence since the war began. Leaders from across the region and internationally condemned the attack, highlighting the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety of religious practices and sentiment towards the protection of minority rights within the fractured sociopolitical landscape of the country.