A suicide bomber wreaked havoc at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, Syria, killing 20 and injuring over 50 individuals, including children. The tragic incident unfolded on Sunday, June 22, when the attacker, armed with a gun, opened fire inside the Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a, located on the outskirts of Damascus, before setting off an explosive vest. Syrian state media reported the devastating toll of the attack, which left numerous children among the casualties.
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Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa condemned the bombing as a terrorist attack, emphasizing that such cowardly acts defy the values that unite society. He pledged the state’s commitment to upholding equal citizenship rights and combating criminal organizations to safeguard the safety of the populace. Although no group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing, Syria’s interior ministry identified the suicide bomber as a member of the Islamic State.
Interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa vowed to protect minority groups following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, setting the stage for the tragic church attack. Witnesses revealed chilling details of the assault, recounting how the gunman, with his face concealed, disrupted a church service with gunfire before triggering the explosives. The congregation heroically attempted to subdue the assailant, ultimately preventing further carnage.
The devastating aftermath of the attack was captured in harrowing images showing emergency responders, including the White Helmets, aiding the wounded and transporting them to safety. Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror and devastation, with one worshipper recalling the sight of individuals torn apart by the explosion. The community, reeling from the heinous act, mourned the loss of lives and grappled with the profound impact of the tragedy.
In a swift and unequivocal response, the Greek foreign ministry condemned the terrorist attack, calling for immediate accountability and stringent measures to ensure the security of religious communities in Syria. The international community joined in denouncing the senseless violence, underscoring the urgent need to address such atrocities and prevent further bloodshed. The assault on the Mar Elias Church stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the enduring struggle against terrorism.
As the shattered community grieves and grapples with the trauma of the brutal attack, solidarity and support pour in from across the globe. Efforts to heal and rebuild in the wake of the tragedy underscore the resilience of the human spirit in the face of senseless violence. The international outcry against the church bombing underscores the universal condemnation of terrorism and the collective resolve to stand against those who seek to sow fear and division. The tragic events in Damascus serve as a somber reminder of the urgent need for unity and resolve in tackling extremism and upholding the values of peace and tolerance.