Suicide Bomber Kills at Least 22 During Divine Liturgy at Greek Orthodox Church in Syria

A suicide bomber targeted a Greek Orthodox church in Syria, killing at least 22 people and injuring 63 others. The attack occurred at the Mar Elias Church in Dweila, near Damascus. State media SANA reported these figures, citing the Health Ministry. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in Britain, confirmed at least 19 deaths and numerous injuries but did not provide exact numbers.

Witnesses described the attacker's actions. A masked gunman entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated an explosive vest when confronted by the congregation. The explosion happened at the church entrance as people tried to stop him. The scene was chaotic, with survivors in shock and emergency services rushing to help.

Security Concerns Amidst Rising Tensions

The attack marks a rare incident of its kind in Syria in recent years. It comes as President Ahmad al-Sharaa faces challenges asserting control across the nation. Concerns about extremist sleeper cells persist in the war-torn country. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday.

Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba suggested that the Islamic State group might be responsible. He stated that their initial investigation points to this extremist group. Al-Baba emphasised that "the security of places of worship is a red line," accusing IS and remnants of Assad's regime of trying to destabilise Syria.

Government Response and Condemnation

Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa condemned the attack, labelling it a terrorist act. On social media platform X, he stated, "This cowardly act goes against the civic values that brings us together." He reaffirmed Syria's commitment to equal citizenship and pledged efforts to combat criminal organisations threatening society's safety.

Social Affairs and Labour Minister Hind Kabawat visited the church to offer condolences. As Syria's Christian and female minister, she met with clergy members to express her sympathies. Father Fadi Ghattas recounted seeing at least 20 fatalities during the attack, noting that 350 people were praying at the time.

Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath

Meletius Shahati, a priest at the church, mentioned another gunman who fired at the door before the explosion. Issam Nasr, a worshipper present during the attack, described witnessing people being "blown to bits." He expressed disbelief over such violence occurring during prayer.

The aftermath was devastating, with pews covered in debris and blood. A photo shared by SANA depicted this grim scene inside the church. Survivors were visibly distressed; one woman collapsed in tears amidst the chaos.

This tragic event highlights ongoing security challenges in Syria as authorities strive to maintain stability amidst persistent threats from extremist groups.

With inputs from PTI