Syria says ISIS behind Damascus church attack, at least 20 killed
At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Syria's capital Damascus on Sunday, health authorities and security sources said.
It was the first suicide bombing in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad was toppled by opposition forces in December.
Syria's interior ministry said the suicide bomber was a member of ISIS. He entered the church, opened fire and then detonated his explosive vest, a ministry statement added.
Syria's foreign ministry condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to undermine coexistence in the multi-sectarian, multi-ethnic country.
Syria considers 'this criminal act, which targeted members of the Christian community, a desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence and to destabilize the country,' the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, describing it as a 'terrorist' act.
In a statement, the Saudi foreign ministry 'emphasized the Kingdom's rejection of attacks on places of worship, the terrorizing of civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood,' and 'affirmed the Kingdom's support for the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.'
The ministry also offered 'its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Syria, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.'
The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack berated the militants behind the attack, calling it an act of 'cowardice.'
'These terrible acts of cowardice have no place in the new tapestry of integrated tolerance and inclusion that Syrians are weaving,' Barrack posted on X of the attack.
'We continue to support the Syrian government as it fights against those who are seeking to create instability and fear in their country and the broader region.'
A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said two men were involved in the attack, including the one who blew himself up.
ISIS has been behind several attempted attacks on churches in Syria since al-Assad's fall, but this was the first to succeed, another security source told Reuters.
Syria's state news agency cited the health ministry as saying that 52 people were also injured in the blast.
A livestream from the site by Syria's civil defense, the White Helmets, showed scenes of destruction from inside the church, including a bloodied floor and shattered pews and masonry.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the offensive against al-Assad before taking over in January for a transitional phase, has repeatedly said he will protect minorities.
'We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria,' the Greek foreign ministry said in a statement.
'We demand that the Syrian transitional authorities take immediate action to hold those involved accountable and implement measures to guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups, allowing them to live without fear.'
ISIS had previously targeted religious minorities, including a major attack on Shia pilgrims in Sayeda Zainab in 2016 – one of the most notorious bombings during al-Assad's rule.
The latest assault underscores the group's continued ability to exploit security gaps despite the collapse of its territorial control and years of counterterrorism efforts.
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