Suicide bombing strikes Orthodox church in Syria

(MENAFN) A devastating explosion occurred at Mar Elias Church in Damascus on Sunday, with reports indicating the attack took place during a religious service. The blast, attributed to a suicide bomber, targeted the Orthodox Christian community at one of the capital's well-known churches.

According to statements from the Syrian Health Ministry, at least 20 individuals lost their lives, and 52 others were wounded. Footage circulating on social media revealed the extent of the destruction—severely damaged interiors, scattered debris, and pools of blood, painting a grim picture of the aftermath.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene following the blast. One individual, speaking to an English-language outlet based in the UAE, said, “I was in my car driving when I heard an explosion just as I passed the church. People started screaming and I heard gunshots. Cars and ambulances started arriving. I saw many people injured and others may have been killed.”

Following the explosion, reports also mentioned the sound of gunfire, though it remained unclear who was responsible for the shooting. The Syrian Interior Ministry later confirmed that ISIS was behind the attack. The assailant reportedly fired into the crowd before triggering an explosive vest.

However, a priest at Mar Elias Church provided a slightly different version of the events, stating that there were actually two attackers. According to him, both individuals began shooting outside the church before entering and detonating their explosives. “There were around 400 people inside the church” at the time, he told the media outlet.

The attack marks one of the deadliest assaults on a place of worship in Syria in recent years, raising alarm over a potential resurgence of extremist violence in the region.

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