A suicide bombing at a church in Damascus killed at least 20 people and wounded 52 others on Sunday, marking the first major attack on a Christian place of worship in the Syrian capital since the country’s civil war began in 2011.
Syria’s interior ministry attributed the assault to the Islamic State group, calling it a terrorist attack aimed at destabilizing the nation.
The attack occurred at Saint Elias Church in the Dwelaa neighborhood when “a suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh (IS) terrorist group entered the church where he opened fire then blew himself up with an explosive belt,” according to an interior ministry statement. AFP correspondents at the scene described a horrific aftermath, with shattered wooden pews, fallen religious icons, and pools of blood covering the floor as first responders evacuated victims.
Eyewitness Lawrence Maamari recounted the terrifying moments: “Someone entered the church from outside carrying a weapon and began shooting. People tried to stop him before he blew himself up.” Nearby shopkeeper Ziad, 40, reported hearing gunfire followed by a massive explosion that sent glass shards flying. “We saw fire in the church and the remains of wooden benches thrown all the way to the entrance,” he said.
The international community swiftly condemned the violence. UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen expressed “outrage at this heinous crime” and demanded a full investigation. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack affirmed Washington’s support for Syria’s counterterrorism efforts, while Jordan backed Damascus’ fight against extremism. France denounced the “abject” attack and reiterated its commitment to a pluralistic Syria.
Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab vowed the attack wouldn’t derail national reconciliation efforts, stating: “These terrorist acts will not stop the efforts of the Syrian state in achieving civil peace.” Security forces have launched an investigation into the bombing, which comes amid heightened concerns about IS resurgence. Khattab had previously warned that the group had shifted tactics to target religious minorities and strategic locations.
The attack represents a significant security challenge for Syria’s new government, which took power after ousting longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. It follows recent counterterrorism operations, including the arrest of an IS cell near Damascus last month and a deadly raid in Aleppo that killed three jihadists and one security officer.
With several worshippers still missing and families desperately searching for loved ones, the bombing has reignited fears among Syria’s Christian minority, who comprised about 10% of the pre-war population.
The assault underscores the fragile security situation as Syria navigates its post-war transition, with IS maintaining a presence in the country’s eastern desert regions despite losing its territorial caliphate in 2019.
