Latest news with #SarayaAnsaral-Sunna
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Syria: IS splinter group behind church bombing
Syria: IS splinter group behind church bombing (Image: AP) On Tuesday, the Islamic State (IS) splinter group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna (Brigade of Sunni Supporters) claimed responsibility for the deadly Sunday bombing of a Greek Orthodox Church in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The incident happened when a member of the group blew himself up at the doors of the Saint Elias Church in the Christian-Sunni Muslim neighborhood of al-Dweilaa during Sunday mass, killing 25 people and injuring another 63. The group released a social media post claiming the attack was triggered by unspecified "provocations by Christians in Damascus." In March, a dispute took place at the church when residents complained about Islamic chants being blasted from a car in front of the building. The group is said to have been behind various sectarian threats and attacks targeting Alawites, Christians, Druze and Shiite Muslims. It is also accused of involvement in March massacres that rights groups say killed as many as 1,700 mostly Alawite civilians. Islamists call government claims 'untrue, fabricated' On Monday, Syria's new government claimed that IS had been behind the attack and announced that it had "dismantled" the cell responsible for it. Authorities said they seized explosives, suicide vests, mines and ammunition during raids that resulted in six arrests and two suspects being shot dead. Syria's Interior Ministry said its investigation into the matter was ongoing and that all perpetrators would be brought to justice. Saraya Ansar al-Sunna promptly took to the messaging app Telegram to reject the government's claim, calling it, "untrue, fabricated." Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, which was formed after the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad, warned, "What is coming will not give you respite… our soldiers... are fully prepared." Sunday's attack was the first in a Christian church since the start of Syria's civil war in 2011, according to the UK-based group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has also been targeted by the group. Pope Leo XIV offers prayers for hope, healing and peace Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident on Tuesday. A statement issued by the Vatican called for peace in Syria. Further, the statement said Leo was praying for those injured, as well as for the souls of those killed in the attack. Prayers were also offered to God that he provide hope and healing for the Syrian people. Though 10% of Syria's population was once Christian, that number has dropped considerably as a result of war and persecution. Those Christians who remain tend to live in mixed communities in the major cities of Damascus and Aleppo
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Group claims responsibility for Syrian church bombing
DamascuscTypeface:> A little-known group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna (Brigade of Sunni Supporters), claimed responsibility on Tuesday for the deadly suicide bombing that struck a church in the south of Damascus, killing at least 25 worshippers and injuring 63. In a statement released on its social media platforms, the group claimed the assault was retaliation for what it described as 'provocations by Christians in Damascus.' It threatened further attacks, including suicide operations. Previously, the group had issued sectarian threats targeting Christians, Alawites, Druze and Shiite Muslims. It has claimed responsibility for a February attack on the village of Arzeh in Hama province and has threatened individuals linked to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (DPA)
LeMonde
a day ago
- Politics
- LeMonde
Syria: Little-known jihadist group claims Damascus church attack
A little-known Sunni Muslim extremist group claimed responsibility on Tuesday, June 24, for a weekend suicide attack against a church in Damascus, while the Syrian government insisted they were part of the Islamic State group. Sunday's attack killed 25 people and wounded dozens, striking terror into Syria's Christian community and other minorities. A statement from Saraya Ansar al-Sunna said an operative "blew up the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa neighbourhood of Damascus," adding that it came after an unspecified "provocation." Syria's Islamist authorities, who took power after ousting longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, had quickly blamed the attack on the Islamic State group and announced several arrests on Monday in a security operation against IS-affiliated cells. IS did not claim responsibility for the attack. The spokesman for the interior ministry, Noureddine al-Baba, said, during a press conference on Tuesday, that the cell behind the attack "officially follows Daesh," adding that Saraya Ansar al-Sunna was " not independent (...) as it follows Daesh." Daesh is the Arabic acronym for IS. Baba also said that the church attacker was not Syrian, without specifying his nationality, and came to Damascus with another suicide bomber from the al-Hol camp in the northeast, which hosts displaced people and relatives of IS members. Baba said it could be "just an IS front group." The Saraya Ansar al-Sunna statement, on the messaging app Telegram, said the government's version of events was "untrue, fabricated." 'Heinous crime' At the funeral of some of those killed in Damascus's Holy Cross Church, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East John X called the attack an "unacceptable incident." Addressing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the patriarch said "the heinous crime that took place at Mar Elias Church is the first massacre of its kind in Syria since 1860," referring to the mass killings of Christians in Damascus under the Ottoman Empire. "We refuse for these events to take place during the revolution and during your honourable era." Sharaa had called the patriarchate's adviser to send his condolences, an act John X called "insufficient." Assad's government had portrayed itself as a protector of minorities, who were subject to numerous attacks claimed by jihadist groups during the 14-year civil war. The new authorities have repeatedly pledged to protect minorities, despite the eruption of sectarian violence on multiple occasions in recent months. The suicide bombing followed massacres of members of the Alawite sect to which Assad belongs and clashes with Druze fighters. The bloodshed has raised concerns about the government's ability to control radical fighters who took part in Assad's overthrow.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Shadowy extremist group claims Damascus church attack
A little-known Sunni Muslim extremist group claimed responsibility on Tuesday for a weekend suicide attack against a church in Damascus, while the Syrian government insisted they were part of the Islamic State group. Sunday's attack killed 25 people and wounded dozens, striking terror into Syria's Christian community and other minorities. A statement from Saraya Ansar al-Sunna said an operative "blew up the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa neighbourhood of Damascus", adding that it came after an unspecified "provocation". Syria's Islamist authorities, who took power after ousting longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, had quickly blamed the attack on the Islamic State group and announced several arrests on Monday in a security operation against IS-affiliated cells. IS did not claim responsibility for the attack. The Saraya Ansar al-Sunna statement, on the messaging app Telegram, said the government's version of events was "untrue, fabricated". The spokesman for the interior ministry, Nureddine al-Baba, said during a press conference on Tuesday that the cell behind the attack "officially follows Daesh", adding that Saraya Ansar al-Sunna was " not independent... as it follows Daesh". Daesh is the Arabic acronym for IS. Baba also said that the church attacker was not Syrian, without specifying his nationality, and came to Damascus with another suicide bomber from the al-Hol camp in the northeast, which hosts displaced people and relatives of IS members. Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, a Syria-based analyst and researcher, said Saraya Ansar al-Sunna could be "a pro-IS splinter originating primarily from defectors from HTS... and other factions but currently operating independently of IS". Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is the Islamist group headed by Syria's now-President Ahmed al-Sharaa that led the overthrow of Assad. Baba said it could be "just an IS front group". Citing a source within the group, Tamimi said a disillusioned former HTS functionary headed Saraya. He added that its leadership included a former member of Hurras al-Din, an Al-Qaeda affiliate that announced in January it was dissolving on the orders of the new government. - 'Heinous crime' - At the funeral of some of those killed in Damascus's Holy Cross Church, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East John X called the attack an "unacceptable incident". Addressing Sharaa, the patriarch said "the heinous crime that took place at Mar Elias Church is the first massacre of its kind in Syria since 1860", referring to the mass killings of Christians in Damascus under the Ottoman Empire. "We refuse for these events to take place during the revolution and during your honourable era." Sharaa had called the patriarchate's adviser to send his condolences, an act John X called "insufficient". To ululations and tears, nine white coffins were carried into the church, amid a heavy security presence in the area. "These events are fleeting and have no value in history," teacher Raji Rizkallah, 50, told AFP. "Christianity is a deeply rooted and permanent part of this land, and extremists are heretics." Assad's government portrayed itself as a protector of minorities, who were subject to numerous attacks claimed by jihadist groups during the 14-year civil war. The new authorities have repeatedly pledged to protect minorities, despite the eruption of sectarian violence on multiple occasions in recent months. The suicide bombing followed massacres of members of the Alawite sect to which Assad belongs and clashes with Druze fighters. The bloodshed has raised concerns about the government's ability to control radical fighters who took part in Assad's overthrow. HTS was once affiliated with Al-Qaeda before breaking ties in 2016. mam-lg/nad/dcp
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Shadowy extremist group claims Damascus church attack
Sunday's attack killed 25 people and wounded dozens, striking terror into Syria's Christian community and other minorities. Mourners carry the coffins of some of the 25 people killed in a weekend church bombing in Damascus in a procession through the Syrian capital's Al-Qassaa neighbourhood. Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP BEIRUT — A little-known Sunni Muslim extremist group claimed responsibility on Tuesday for a weekend suicide attack on a Damascus church, as the city mourned those killed. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Sunday's attack killed 25 people and wounded dozens, striking terror into Syria's Christian community and other minorities. A statement from Saraya Ansar al-Sunna said an operative 'blew up the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa neighbourhood of Damascus', adding that it came after unspecified 'provocation'. The Islamist authorities who took power after ousting longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December had quickly blamed the attack on the Islamic State group and announced several arrests on Monday in a security operation against IS-affiliated cells. IS did not claim responsibility for the attack. The Saraya Ansar al-Sunna statement, on messaging app Telegram, said the government's version of events was 'untrue, fabricated'. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The group, which was formed after Assad's ouster, vowed that 'what is coming will not give you respite' warning that 'our soldiers… are fully prepared'. At the funeral of some of those killed in Damascus's Holy Cross Church, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East John X called the attack an 'unacceptable incident'. 'Heinous crime' Addressing interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the patriarch said 'the heinous crime that took place at Mar Elias Church is the first massacre of its kind in Syria since 1860', referring to the mass killings of Christians in Damascus under the Ottoman Empire. 'We refuse for these events to take place during the revolution and during your honourable era.' Sharaa had called the patriarchate's adviser to send condolences, an act John X called 'insufficient'. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Security was tight for the funeral in the Syrian capital's Holy Cross ALKASEM/AFP Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP To ululations and tears, nine white coffins were carried into the church, amidst a heavy security presence in the area. 'These events are fleeting and have no value in history,' teacher Raji Rizkallah, 50, told AFP. 'Christianity is a deeply rooted and permanent part of this land, and extremists are heretics. They have no place in the present or the future.' Assad's government used to portray itself as a protector of minorities, who were subject to numerous attacks claimed by jihadist groups during the 14-year civil war. In March, a dispute took place in front of the Saint Elias church, as residents expressed opposition to Islamic chants being played on loudspeakers from a car. The suicide bombing followed sectarian violence in recent months, including massacres of members of the Alawite sect to which Assad belongs and clashes with Druze fighters, with security one of the new authorities' greatest challenges. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The bloodshed has raised concerns about the government's ability to control radical fighters, after Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led the offensive that ousted Assad. HTS was once affiliated with Al-Qaeda before breaking ties in 2016. Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, a Syria-based analyst and researcher, said Saraya Ansar al-Sunna could be 'a pro-IS splinter originating primarily from defectors from HTS… and other factions but currently operating independently of IS'. He also said it could be 'just an IS front group'. Citing a Saraya source, Tamimi said a disillusioned former HTS functionary heads the group, whose leadership includes a former member of Hurras al-Din, Syria's Al-Qaeda affiliate which announced in January it was dissolving on the orders of the new government. The Observatory said Saraya Ansar al-Sunna had previously threatened to target Alawites and had carried out an attack in Hama province earlier this year. The group is accused of involvement in the sectarian massacres in March that the Observatory said killed more than 1,700 people, mostly Alawite civilians. Toronto & GTA Toronto Blue Jays Toronto & GTA NHL MMA
