At least 20 people were killed and over 50 injured in a suicide attack on Saint Elias church in Damascus, Syria, on Sunday. The Syrian Interior Ministry blamed the Islamic State (IS) for the deadly assault.
According to the ministry, a suicide bomber affiliated with IS entered the church in the Dwelaa district, opened fire, then detonated an explosive belt. First responders were seen evacuating victims from the scene, where shattered wooden pews, fallen icons, and pools of blood were scattered.
This marks the first suicide bombing in Damascus since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December and the first attack on a church since Syria’s civil war began in 2011.
The United Nations condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous crime” and demanding a full investigation. The UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, urged authorities to take swift action. France also denounced the bombing, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and inclusive Syria.
Local eyewitnesses described panic as the attacker opened fire inside the church, which was filled with worshippers, including children and the elderly. Security forces secured the area and launched investigations into the incident.
The attack highlights ongoing security challenges for Syria’s new authorities, who face pressure from the international community to protect minorities amid persistent sectarian violence. Interior Minister Anas Khattab expressed condolences and assured that efforts to achieve civil peace will continue despite such terrorist acts.
IS has increasingly targeted strategic locations, including Christian and Shiite communities, according to Khattab. Authorities recently arrested IS cell members near Damascus and thwarted other planned attacks.
Though IS lost territorial control in Syria and Iraq by 2019, jihadist groups remain active, especially in desert regions. This attack is a stark reminder of the enduring threat posed by extremist violence in the country.
