A suicide bomber blew himself up in the church of St. Elias after opening fire. Syrian authorities say it was a targeted attack against the Christian community
The death toll from the violent suicide attack on Saint Elias Church in Damascus has risen to 20 dead and 52 wounded, according to a statement released by the Syrian Ministry of Health and reported by the Sana news agency. Some local media outlets are already reporting a higher number of victims.
The attack was carried out by a terrorist affiliated with ISIS, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry: the man first fired shots inside the sacred building, then detonated an explosive belt, blowing himself up among the worshippers.
The Damascus authorities have described the incident as “a criminal act directed against the Christian community” and “a desperate attempt to destabilise the country and undermine national coexistence”, as emphasised by the Foreign Ministry.
The attack shook the Syrian capital, already battered by years of conflict and interfaith tensions. Rescue workers and security forces quickly arrived on the scene, while investigations continue to identify any accomplices or cells involved in organising the attack.
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