Suicide bomber attack on church in Syria kills at least 20 people

A suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus killed at least 20 people and wounded 52 others on Sunday, according to Syria’s health ministry.

The attack targeted Mar Elias Church during a Sunday mass. Syria’s Ministry of Interior Affairs told CNN that the assailant was a “suicide bomber affiliated with the terrorist organization ISIS.” The attacker opened fire inside the church before detonating an explosive vest.

Syria’s state news agency, SANA, confirmed the mass was in progress when the bomber struck. Videos circulating online show a scene of devastation: blood on the floor, shattered glass, broken chairs, and bodies scattered across the sanctuary.

Emergency responders rushed to the church shortly after the blast. Syria’s civil defense group, known as the White Helmets, reported that crews transferred the injured to local hospitals and worked to secure the area.

“The treacherous hand of evil struck today,” the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch said in a statement. The explosion occurred at the church’s entrance, killing “numerous martyrs” and injuring many worshippers, the church added.

“We offer our prayers for the repose of the souls of the martyrs,” the patriarchate continued. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our faith and, through that steadfastness, our rejection of all fear and intimidation.”

No group has officially claimed responsibility, but authorities point to ISIS as the likely perpetrator. The group has a long history of attacks on religious sites and minority communities in Syria. According to a 2024 report by the Soufan Center, ISIS continues to exploit Syria’s instability to carry out high-profile attacks, particularly targeting Christians and other minorities.

The international community quickly condemned the bombing.

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, called it a “heinous crime.” His office released a statement saying, “Mr. Pedersen calls on all to unite in rejecting terrorism, extremism, incitement and the targeting of any community in Syria. He sends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and his hope for the recovery of those injured.”

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, described the bombing as an act of “cowardice.” He added, “There is no place for this violence in the new tapestry of integrated tolerance and inclusion that Syrians are weaving.”

Foreign ministries from more than a dozen countries, including Turkey, Greece, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, also condemned the attack. Many called for greater international cooperation to counter extremism.

The Greek government expressed “deep sorrow” for the victims and pledged support to Syria’s Christian communities. Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the bombing “a direct assault on religious freedom and human dignity.”

Syria’s Christian population, which once numbered over two million, has dwindled sharply since the start of the civil war in 2011. Many have fled persecution, violence, and economic collapse. Human Rights Watch reported in 2023 that Christian communities in Syria face growing threats from armed groups and shrinking international support.

Despite the violence, church leaders remain defiant. “We stand firm in our faith,” the Patriarchate said. “This tragedy will not silence our voices or break our unity.”

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