Lucrezia Ciotti Moments of terror in Damascus: an attacker suicidal blew himself up in the church of St. Elias, in the residential neighborhood of Dwelaa, hitting dozens of faithful gathered for the Sunday service. ISIS claimed responsibility for theattack, the latest in a long trail of blood that continues to hit innocent civilians in Syria.
Syria, suicide attack in a church in Damascus: attack claimed
Un attempt suicide bombing struck the Mar Elias Church, a Greek Orthodox Christian place of worship in the Dwelaa suburb of eastern Damascus. According to Syrian state television, an Islamic State (ISIS) militant entered the building during a religious service, opened fire on those present and then he activated an explosive belt among the faithful.
Syria, ISIS suicide attack in a church in Damascus: tragic toll
Il balance provided by the Ministry of the Interior is dramatic: at least 22 people lost their lives and 63 were injuredA statement released by the state agency Sana confirmed that the perpetrator of the attack was a terrorist affiliated with ISIS.
A Syrian security source, quoted by Reuters, said the action would have been performed by two individuals, including the one who blew himself up. The attack has brought international attention to the vulnerability of places of worship in Syria, which have already been the scene of numerous acts of violence in recent years.
“This criminal act, which targeted members of the Christian community, was a desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence and destabilize the country", the Syrian Foreign Ministry said.