Suicide Bombing at Damascus Church Kills at Least 20, ISIS Suspected

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

DAMASCUS — A devastating suicide bombing struck the Mar Elias Church in Damascus’ Dweila neighborhood on Sunday, killing at least 20 people and injuring several others, according to Syrian security officials. The attacker, identified as a member of the ISIS terror group, opened fire before detonating an explosive vest inside the church during a service.

The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed the attacker’s affiliation with ISIS in an official statement, labeling the incident a “cowardly terrorist attack.” The ministry also noted that the attacker acted alongside another individual, though only one carried out the suicide bombing.

While security sources reported 20 fatalities, the Syrian Health Ministry gave a preliminary count of nine dead and 13 wounded. Some local media outlets indicated that children were among the casualties, intensifying the national outcry.

Footage shared via a livestream by Syria’s civil defense group, the White Helmets, revealed harrowing scenes of destruction—blood-stained floors, shattered pews, and crumbled masonry inside the church.

Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa condemned the bombing in a statement posted to social platform X.

> “This cowardly act goes against every civic and moral value that binds our nation together. We remain committed to equal citizenship and will exhaust all efforts to protect our society from terrorism,” he stated.

Security forces have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the involvement of any additional suspects. Authorities are also reportedly tightening security around religious institutions across Damascus and other major cities.

The attack comes amid renewed concerns over the resurgence of extremist elements in Syria’s war-torn landscape, raising alarms about civilian safety and the need for enhanced counterterrorism measures.

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