At Least 15 Killed in Suicide Bombing in Syria
Israa Farhan
A deadly suicide bombing struck Saint Elias Church in the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday, leaving at least 15 people dead and several others injured, according to local authorities.
The Syrian Civil Defense reported a mass casualty incident at the Mar Elias Church in the Al-Dweila neighborhood, describing the explosion as a terrorist attack. Emergency response teams rushed to the site to recover bodies, assist the wounded, and secure the area.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior later
confirmed
that the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). According to the ministry's statement, the attacker entered the church during a service, opened fire, and then detonated an explosive vest.
Security forces were quickly deployed to the scene, sealing off the area and launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Forensic teams have begun collecting evidence to identify the bomber and uncover potential accomplices.
This marks one of the deadliest attacks in Damascus in recent years and comes amid rising concerns about the resurgence of extremist activity in Syria's urban centers. Although the Islamic State has largely lost its territorial hold in Syria, the group continues to carry out sporadic and lethal attacks across the country.
Saint Elias Church, a historic Christian site in Damascus, was hosting worshippers when the bombing occurred. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and mourning across religious and community groups.
Authorities have not yet released the full list of casualties, and hospitals in the capital are treating the wounded under heightened security.
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