A tragic shooting and bombing occurred at a church in Damascus during a crowded service, resulting in the loss of at least 25 lives, according to local authorities.
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This incident marks a significant escalation in violence within the Syrian capital, being the first of its kind since Islamist-led forces ousted the long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. Notably, it is also the first attack specifically targeting a church in Syria since the onset of the civil war in 2011, according to monitoring agencies.
As the situation unfolds, providing security remains one of the greatest challenges for Syria’s newly appointed leadership. The international community has continually urged these authorities to ensure the safety of minority groups, highlighting the need for accountability and protection.
“An attacker affiliated with the Daesh (the so-called Islamic State) terrorist group entered the Mar Elias Church in the Dwelaa area,” reported the interior ministry. Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene, with one churchgoer stating that a man entered and began firing, while others attempted to intervene. Another witness, who was nearby, described hearing gunfire followed by an explosion, with debris flying everywhere.
“We saw fire inside the church and the remains of wooden benches thrown all the way to the entrance,” he recounted, encapsulating the chaos that ensued.
The blast sent shockwaves of panic and fear through the church, which was packed with worshipers of all ages. Families have since been left searching for their loved ones amidst this tragedy.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has underscored the historical significance of this attack, noting that while churches have previously endured damage or intimidation during the conflict, never before has one been directly targeted in such a manner since the war began.
The Orthodox patriarchate in Damascus has called upon the authorities to “bear full responsibility for the sanctity of churches and ensure the protection of all citizens.” The plight of Syria’s Christian community is indeed dire, having decreased from approximately one million before the war to fewer than 300,000 today, largely due to displacement and emigration.
Geir Pedersen, the United Nations special envoy for Syria, expressed his “outrage at this heinous crime” and has called for a thorough investigation. U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack reiterated support for Syria in its ongoing battle against forces aiming to create instability, asserting, “We stand with the Syrian people as they fight against those who seek to sow fear in their nation.” Meanwhile, Turkey has voiced confidence that Syrians will remain united in their efforts against terrorist organizations that threaten to incite chaos.
In a statement reflecting solidarity, France’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its commitment to a transitional period that ensures all Syrians, regardless of their faith, can live peacefully in a “free, united, pluralistic, prosperous, stable, and sovereign country.” Al-Azhar in Egypt condemned the attack as a “blatant assault on the right to life and worship.”
The Syrian Foreign Ministry characterized the attack as a desperate attempt to undermine national unity and destabilize the country.
In a press conference, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, Nour al-Din Al-Baba, discussed the government’s urgency regarding the attack; Interior Minister Anas Khattab informed that specialized teams are now investigating. “These terrorist acts will not deter the Syrian state from pursuing civil peace,” he reassured, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protect all communities.
Earlier this month, Mr. Khattab remarked that IS had shifted its focus to targeted attacks on strategic establishments and communities, including Christians and Shiites, though many planned attacks have been successfully thwarted. Last month, IS claimed its first strike against the newly established government forces in Syria, leading to the apprehension of members of an IS cell near Damascus who were allegedly plotting attacks.
In the initial years of the civil war, IS seized vast territories in Syria and Iraq, declaring a cross-border “caliphate” in 2014 before suffering territorial defeat in 2019.
In conclusion, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the call for unity and vigilance resonates louder than ever.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
