Damascus, Syria – The Syrian Interior Ministry on Sunday accused the Islamic State (ISIS) of carrying out the deadly suicide attack on Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Al-Dweilaa neighborhood of Damascus, which killed 14 people and injured 28 others.
In an official statement, the ministry said: “A suicide bomber affiliated with the ISIS terrorist organization stormed the church during a gathering, randomly opened fire on the worshippers, and then detonated his explosive vest.”
The ministry confirmed that security forces quickly imposed a cordon around the site, and specialized teams are continuing to collect evidence and investigate the details of the attack.
According to security sources, the assault was conducted by two attackers; one who detonated the explosive device and another who opened fire directly at those inside the church.
Read more: Suicide Attack on Damascus Church Leaves Dozens Dead and Injured
The bombing caused significant destruction to the church’s interior, as shown in widely circulated images on social media depicting the aftermath and the victims’ remains.
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “abhorrent.” In a statement published on X, the ministry declared:
“We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing at Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus. Religious sites must never be targets for terror. Everyone has the right to practice their faith in complete peace and safety.”
Greece also called on Syrian transitional authorities to immediately hold those responsible accountable and to implement effective measures to protect Christian communities and all religious groups, ensuring they can live without fear.
The attack is one of the deadliest targeting a Christian site in Syria and comes amid rising concerns over the resurgence of ISIS cells in parts of Syria.
