Damascus Church Bombing: Death and Destruction in the Holy Site

A devastating suicide bombing rocked the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, on Sunday, leaving at least 20 people dead and 52 injured. The Syrian Interior Ministry identified the bomber as a member of the Islamic State (IS), who entered the church, opened fire, and detonated his explosive vest. According to a security source, two men were involved in the attack, with one blowing himself up. This attack marks the first successful church bombing in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad’s fall in December.

The bombing has sparked widespread condemnation, with the Greek Foreign Ministry denouncing the attack as “abhorrent” and demanding that Syrian authorities take immediate action to hold those involved accountable. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to protect minorities, but the attack highlights the continued threat posed by IS, which has targeted religious minorities in the past, including a major attack on Shiite pilgrims in 2016. The latest assault underscores IS’s ability to exploit security gaps despite the collapse of its territorial control.

The attack has left the Christian community in shock, with scenes of destruction from inside the church showing a bloodied floor, shattered pews, and masonry. The Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, captured the aftermath of the blast on livestream, highlighting the severity of the attack. As the country grapples with the aftermath, there are calls for increased security measures to protect religious minorities and prevent further attacks.