Suicide Bomber Strikes Greek Orthodox Church in Syria, Killing 22 People

In a tragic incident in Dweil’a, Syria, a suicide bomber opened fire and detonated an explosive vest inside the Mar Elias Church on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people and injuring 63 others, as reported by state media. This attack occurred on the outskirts of Damascus while worshippers were engaged in prayer. While state media cited the Health Ministry for the casualty figures, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, indicated at least 19 fatalities without providing exact numbers. Local reports suggested that children were among the victims.

The bombing marked the first such attack on a church in Syria in years, happening during a time when the Syrian government is attempting to garner the support of minority groups. President Ahmad al-Sharaa faces challenges in asserting control across the country, amid fears regarding extremist sleeper cells that may still be active. The Syrian Interior Ministry has launched a preliminary investigation, pointing towards the involvement of the Islamic State group, although no organization claimed responsibility immediately following the attack. Noureddine Al-Baba, a spokesperson for the Syrian Interior Ministry, noted that a terrorist had entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated explosives when a crowd attempted to subdue him.

This act was condemned by various officials, with Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa labeling it a terrorist attack that contradicts the civic values held by Syrian society. In the wake of the tragedy, several witnesses recount the horrifying scenes they experienced. Fr. Fadi Ghattas described observing at least 20 people die before his eyes, stating that the church was filled with approximately 350 worshippers at the time.

Security forces and first responders rushed to the scene amidst panic, with survivors expressing their grief and disbelief at the violence they encountered in a place of worship.