Christians were viciously slaughtered in church while attending mass by a suicide bomber linked to Islamic extremism.
The attacker opened fire on worshippers before detonating an explosives vest inside Mar Elias Church in Dweila, on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria.
The attacker killed at least nine people and injured dozens more. Even more disturbing, children were among the victims of this horrific assault.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 30 casualties in total, though exact numbers remain unclear as authorities continue their investigation.
This marks the first attack of its kind in years within Syria, raising serious concerns about the resurgence of extremist sleeper cells that target religious minorities.
One witness, identified only as Rawad, described the terrifying sequence of events to reporters: “He was shooting at the church…He then went inside the church and blew himself up.”
While no group immediately claimed responsibility, the Syrian Interior Ministry wasted no time attributing the attack to an Islamic State extremist.
This brutal targeting of Christians at prayer comes amid growing concerns about religious persecution worldwide.
The scene inside the church was devastating. Photos released from the attack showed church pews covered in debris and blood.
Witnesses reported seeing the attacker accompanied by two others, with one possibly acting as a second gunman.
According to some accounts, a grenade was also thrown during the assault, maximizing the carnage.
“He started shooting, went and then he blew up the church,” said Church Bishop Moussa Khoury.
First responders quickly arrived at the scene to find survivors in extreme distress.
Security forces immediately launched operations to secure the area and locate any additional suspects who may have escaped.
Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act” that “goes against the civic values that brings us together.”
He further stated, “We will not back down from our commitment to equal citizenship…and we also affirm the state’s pledge to exert all its efforts to combat criminal organizations and to protect society from all attacks threatening its safety.”
The attack occurs as Damascus, currently under de facto Islamist rule, attempts to gain support from minority groups.
President Ahmad al-Sharaa faces significant challenges in asserting control across Syria, with various factions still controlling parts of the war-torn country.
This power vacuum continues to create safe havens for terrorist organizations to operate and plan attacks against vulnerable religious minorities.
This devastating attack on Christians at worship serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing persecution faced by religious minorities in the Middle East and the critical importance of defending religious freedom around the world.
