Orthodox church in Syria attacked by suicide bomber
(MENAFN) A suicide bombing struck Mar Elias Church, an Orthodox Christian site in Damascus, Syria, during a mass service, according to multiple media reports on Sunday. The Syrian Health Ministry confirmed at least 20 fatalities and 52 injuries in the attack.
Graphic videos shared online reveal severe damage inside the church, with bodies scattered and pools of blood on the floor. Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunfire immediately following the explosion, although the source of the shots remains unclear.
One eyewitness told The National newspaper that they heard the blast while driving past the church, followed by screams and gunfire, with emergency vehicles arriving shortly after to assist the wounded.
The Syrian Interior Ministry blamed the attack on Islamic State (IS), saying the bomber fired at worshippers before detonating an explosive vest. However, a priest from the church offered a different version, claiming two attackers first opened fire outside the church before entering and detonating their explosives. At the time of the assault, approximately 400 people were inside the church.
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