A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Damascus, Syria, has killed at least 20 people and injured over 50 others during a Sunday service. According to Syrian state media and security officials, the attacker affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) entered the church, opened fire on worshippers, and then detonated an explosive vest inside the crowded building.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene with gunfire followed by a massive explosion that caused extensive damage to the church interior, including shattered pews and bloodstained floors. Syrian civil defense teams, known as the White Helmets, were on site assisting with rescue and recovery efforts.
The attack marks the first suicide bombing in Damascus in several years and underscores ongoing security challenges amid Syria’s fragile political situation. The Syrian Interior Ministry condemned the act as a “cowardly terrorist attack” targeting religious minorities.
While IS has not officially claimed responsibility, Syrian authorities have attributed the assault to the group. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who leads the transitional government, reiterated his commitment to protecting minority communities despite the persistent threat of extremist violence.
This tragic incident highlights the continued volatility in Syria as the country struggles to recover from over a decade of civil war and sectarian conflict.