Suicide Bomber Kills at Least 20 During Divine Liturgy at Greek Orthodox Church in Syria

A suicide bomber attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Syria, killing at least 20 people and injuring 52 others. The incident occurred on Sunday in the Mar Elias Church located in Dweila, near Damascus. State media SANA reported these figures, citing the Health Ministry. The attack marks a rare occurrence in recent years as Damascus seeks to gain minority support under its de facto Islamist rule.

Witnesses described the attacker entering the church with a covered face, firing at worshippers before detonating an explosive vest. Father Fadi Ghattas, present during the attack, stated, "People were praying safely under the eyes of God." He witnessed at least 20 fatalities among the 350 attendees. The Syrian Interior Ministry identified the attacker as an extremist from the Islamic State group.

Extremist Threats and Government Response

The attack highlights ongoing concerns about extremist sleeper cells in Syria. President Ahmad al-Sharaa faces challenges asserting control across the nation. The Syrian Information Minister, Hamza Mostafa, condemned the attack as terrorism, stating on X, "This cowardly act goes against the civic values that brings us together." He reaffirmed the government's commitment to combat criminal organisations and protect society.

Some local media outlets reported children among the casualties. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed at least 19 deaths and numerous injuries but did not provide precise numbers. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath

Meletius Shahati, a church priest, mentioned a second gunman firing at the church door before the explosion. Issam Nasr, another witness, described seeing people "blown to bits." He expressed disbelief, saying they had never carried weapons, only prayers. Security forces and first responders quickly arrived at the scene as panicked survivors reacted to the chaos.

A photo shared by SANA depicted pews covered in debris and blood inside the church. Witnesses recounted how a crowd attempted to remove the attacker before he detonated his explosives at the entrance. The attack has left a deep impact on those who survived and witnessed the tragic event.

The Syrian government continues its efforts to address security concerns amid ongoing instability in the region. This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist groups within Syria's borders. Authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of safeguarding citizens from further attacks.

With inputs from PTI