Suicide bombing at Mar Elyas Church in Syria kills at least 22 Christians

A devastating attack at a Syrian church has claimed the lives of at least 22 Christians and left many others injured. The tragic event unfolded when a suicide bomber targeted the Mar Elyas Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus during a Sunday prayer service.

The Islamic State (IS) is believed to be responsible for this heinous act, marking the first significant attack in Syria since the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad in December. The church, nestled in the historic Christian quarter of the capital, was filled with worshippers when the bomber struck.

According to Syria’s interior ministry, the attacker entered the church, began firing indiscriminately, and then detonated an explosive belt. Among the victims were children, adding to the heart-wrenching nature of the incident.

International Christian Concern has reported that this is the “first known suicide bombing targeting a church in Syria”. Father Youhanna Shehata, the parish priest, noted that there were approximately 350 to 400 people present in the church during the attack.

In response, Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa denounced the attack, emphasizing its impact on the entire nation. He stated, “This is an attack on all Syrians.”

Expressing his condemnation, David Smith, Labour MP for North Northumberland, remarked, “This is an appalling atrocity in Syria. The idea that anyone should be targeted for an horrific attack like this for any reason, let alone simply because of their faith is repellant. We can’t let evil win. My prayers are with those affected.”