A suicide attack at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus resulted in 20 dead and 52 injured, increasing concern for extremist groups.
A bomb man killed at least 20 people and injured 52 others by detonating explosives inside a Greek Orthodox Church on Sunday (22), on the outskirts of Damascus, the capital of Syria. The attack occurred during a religious celebration at the Mar Church Elias, located in the Dweil’a neighborhood, and is considered the first suicide attack in Damascus in years. According to the Ministry of Interior, the author of the attack was a member of the extremist group Islamic state.
The terrorist entered the church with a covered face, opened fire on the faithful and then called a vest with explosives. Some witnesses reported the presence of a second shooter, which has not yet been officially confirmed. The explosion hit the crowded church – about 350 people attended the celebration, according to local religious leaders. Media reported that there are children among the victims.
“People were praying safely under the eyes of God,” said Father Fadi Ghatas. “I saw at least 20 dead with my own eyes.” Another priest, Meletius Shahati, reported that fire were fired at the church door shortly before the explosion. Rescue teams and security forces ran to the scene. Images released by the Syrian press show the banks of the church covered with blood and rubble. Faithful cried before the scenario of devastation.
The attack occurs in a moment of political and social fragility in Syria, where the new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, faces difficulties to consolidate his authority and attempts to broaden the support of religious minorities. The government accuses sleeping cells of extremists of being behind the attack. “This cowardly act goes against the civic values that unite us,” said Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa, in a publication on social networks. “We will not retreat our commitment to egalitarian citizenship.”
Follow the Young Pan News channel and get the main news on your WhatsApp!
Greece also condemned the attack. “We require Syrian transition authorities to blame those involved and guarantee the safety of religious communities, allowing them to live without fear,” said the Ministry of Greek Foreign Affairs. The Islamic State had already promoted attacks against religious minorities in Syria, including the Shiite pilgrims in Sayeda Zainab in 2016, one of the most lethal under the previous government of Bashar al-Assad
Published by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the aid of AI
Source: Jovempan
I have been working as a journalist for over 10 years. In that time, I have covered the news from all corners of the world, and written about everything from politics to business.I’m now a full-time author, and my work can be found at Global happenings. My aim is to bring you up-to-date news and views on global affairs, in a format that is easy to read and understand.
