Latest news with #churchbombing
Washington Post
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Syria says the Islamic State group was behind the deadly attack on a Damascus church
DAMASCUS, Syria — The sleeper cell behind a deadly church bombing near Damascus belonged to the Islamic State group, which had plans to target a Shiite shrine in a similar attack, Syria 's Interior Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday. Sunday's attack on the Mar Elias church killed at least 25 people. The attack was the first of its kind in Syria in years, and comes as Damascus under de facto Islamist rule is trying to win the support of the country's minorities.
The Independent
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Syria says the Islamic State group was behind the deadly attack on a Damascus church
The sleeper cell behind a deadly church bombing near Damascus belonged to the Islamic State group, which had plans to target a Shiite shrine in a similar attack, Syria 's Interior Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday. Sunday's attack on the Mar Elias church killed at least 25 people. The attack was the first of its kind in Syria in years, and comes as Damascus under de facto Islamist rule is trying to win the support of the country's minorities. Noureddine Al-Baba told journalists a second attacker was caught Monday on his way to target a Shiite shrine in the Sayyida Zeinab suburb in Damascus, where many sites of the Islamic sect are located. Al-Baba said security forces also thwarted a third operation, where an attacker on a motorbike was going to target a crowded gathering in the capital. He did not give further details. 'We raided IS hideouts, seizing weapons and explosive caches,' said Al-Baba, who said security forces were able to reach the sleeper cell's leader after interrogating the second attacker. He said the church bomber was not Syrian but did not give details. Al-Baba said cell leader Mohammad Abdelillah al-Jumaili was an 'IS leader' responsible for recruiting extremists from the sprawling Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria to conduct attacks. Tens of thousands of IS militants and their families from around the world live in Al-Hol, held by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The SDF condemned the attack on Sunday. Meanwhile, funerals were held for the victims of the church bombing at the Church of the Holy Cross in Damascus. Church bells rang and women ululated as men walked through the weeping crowds carrying white coffins. The crowds cheered as the clergy honored the victims as martyrs. Dima Beshara, 40, who lost her cousin Emil, 38, and seven other family members in the attack said Syria has always enjoyed religious coexistence and that she was among many from all sects who celebrated the downfall of ousted leader Bashar Assad in December. 'What did they do wrong? They went to the house of God to pray?' Beshara said at the graveyard. 'Am I supposed to be scared every time I want to go and pray?' She fears for her life and those of her loved ones, who regularly attend church for prayers, weddings and funerals. 'We love everyone. We don't have a problem with anyone. But we hope that they love us in return,' she said. ___ Chehayeb reported from Beirut.
Associated Press
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Syria says the Islamic State group was behind the deadly attack on a Damascus church
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — The sleeper cell behind a deadly church bombing near Damascus belonged to the Islamic State group, which had plans to target a Shiite shrine in a similar attack, Syria 's Interior Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday. Sunday's attack on the Mar Elias church killed at least 25 people. The attack was the first of its kind in Syria in years, and comes as Damascus under de facto Islamist rule is trying to win the support of the country's minorities. Noureddine Al-Baba told journalists a second attacker was caught Monday on his way to target a Shiite shrine in the Sayyida Zeinab suburb in Damascus, where many sites of the Islamic sect are located. Al-Baba said security forces also thwarted a third operation, where an attacker on a motorbike was going to target a crowded gathering in the capital. He did not give further details. 'We raided IS hideouts, seizing weapons and explosive caches,' said Al-Baba, who said security forces were able to reach the sleeper cell's leader after interrogating the second attacker. He said the church bomber was not Syrian but did not give details. Al-Baba said cell leader Mohammad Abdelillah al-Jumaili was an 'IS leader' responsible for recruiting extremists from the sprawling Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria to conduct attacks. Tens of thousands of IS militants and their families from around the world live in Al-Hol, held by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The SDF condemned the attack on Sunday. Meanwhile, funerals were held for the victims of the church bombing at the Church of the Holy Cross in Damascus. Church bells rang and women ululated as men walked through the weeping crowds carrying white coffins. The crowds cheered as the clergy honored the victims as martyrs. Dima Beshara, 40, who lost her cousin Emil, 38, and seven other family members in the attack said Syria has always enjoyed religious coexistence and that she was among many from all sects who celebrated the downfall of ousted leader Bashar Assad in December. 'What did they do wrong? They went to the house of God to pray?' Beshara said at the graveyard. 'Am I supposed to be scared every time I want to go and pray?' She fears for her life and those of her loved ones, who regularly attend church for prayers, weddings and funerals. 'We love everyone. We don't have a problem with anyone. But we hope that they love us in return,' she said. ___ Chehayeb reported from Beirut.
Reuters
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Syrian Christian leader chides president over deadly church bombing
DAMASCUS, June 24 (Reuters) - Syria's top Christian leader said on Tuesday at the funeral for victims of a deadly church bombing that President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government bore responsibility for not protecting minorities and his condolences were insufficient. At least 25 worshippers died on Sunday when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, the first such attack since Sharaa's Islamist-led government seized power in December after the Assad family dynasty's toppling. The attack, which the government blamed on the Islamic State militant group, reinforced doubts among minorities about whether they can rely on government assurances of protection. "With love and with all due respect Mr. President, you spoke yesterday by phone... to express your condolences. That is not enough for us," the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John (X) Yazigi, said at the funeral, drawing applause. "We are grateful for the phone call. But the crime that took place is a little bigger than that." Christians made up around 10% of Syria's pre-war population of 22 million, but their numbers shrunk significantly during the 14-year conflict, mainly through emigration. Only a few hundred thousand are now estimated to be living in Syria. Yazigi said the government must prioritize protection for all. "What is important to me - and I will say it - is that the government bears responsibility in full," Yazigi said of the church attack. Hundreds were at the service in the nearby Church of the Holy Cross to bury nine of the victims, whose bodies were placed in simple white coffins adorned with white flowers. Social affairs minister Hind Kabawat - the only Christian and only woman in Syria's new government - attended. On Monday, Sharaa said the attack was a crime hurting all Syrians but did not use the word "Christians" or "church". The government said security forces raided hideouts used by Islamic State, killing two of its members including one who facilitated the suicide bomber's entry into Mar Elias Church. IS did not issue a statement of responsibility.
Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
US Rep. decries 'horrific terror attack' at Syria's Saint Elias church
ALBAWABA - Republican and former U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman strongly condemned the bombing that occurred inside a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, Syria, during Sunday mass. Also Read Church Bombing in Damascus Kills 20 Syrian local media confirmed that a suicide bomber entered Saint Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Dweila neighbourhood and opened fire at prayers when they attempted to stop him and pull him outside the church, he blew himself up, killing dozens. Syria's interior ministry claimed that the attacker was linked to the Islamic State (IS). However, the group didn't claim responsibility for the church bombing. The death toll in the church bombing has jumped to 22, with at least 59 people injured. A picture shows a view of the damage at the site of a reported suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus' Dwelaa area on June 22, 2025. (AFP) Marlin Stutzman wrote on X: "Praying for Syria after the horrific terror attack in Damascus today." He added: "Murdering innocent humans based on their religion is cowardly and deplorable. No one should have to fear for their safety when practicing their faith. Trusting the New Syrian government will bring those responsible to justice." Moreover, Syria's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi and Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hussein Al-Khatib reassured the health of those injured in the terrorist bombing that targeted St. Elias Church in the Dweileh area of Damascus, SANA news reported on Monday morning.
