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At least 22 people have been killed and many more injured after a suicide bomber attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Syria.
Getting into it: The attack unfolded during Sunday evening Mass at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in Damascus when a gunman stormed the building and began shooting at those attending the service. He then detonated a suicide vest inside the church. In addition to the 22 killed, Syrian authorities are reporting that more than 60 people were injured.
Syrian officials quickly attributed the attack to ISIS, though the group has not formally claimed responsibility. Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba called it a “desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence” and vowed that the security of places of worship is a red line the government will defend. Interior Minister Anas Khattab described the bombing as a “reprehensible crime” and announced that a full investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances and potential accomplices.
Authorities are also looking into unverified reports that the attacker may have had accomplices who escaped the area, though this remains unconfirmed.
The Greek government condemned the bombing and urged Syria’s transitional authorities to prioritize the protection of Christian communities and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Other countries, including France, Turkey, and the United States, also condemned the attack. US Special Envoy Tom Barrack stated that such acts of terrorism have no place in Syria’s evolving vision of tolerance and unity, while France emphasized the need for a transition that guarantees safety and religious freedom for all Syrians. The UN’s Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for a thorough investigation and expressed outrage at what he termed a heinous act of terror.
