Image Source: BBC
A tragic incident occurred recently when a suicide bombing targeted a Christian church in Damascus, Syria, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals, with 63 more wounded. The attack took place on a Sunday evening at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias located in Dweila, a suburb of the capital. Reports from Syria’s health ministry confirm these casualties.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailant initially opened fire inside the church during a divine service before detonating an explosive vest. The Syrian interior ministry stated that the attacker was believed to be affiliated with the jihadist group known as Islamic State (IS), although the group has not yet claimed responsibility for the incident.
Images and videos emerging from the site depict a scene of devastation, with a heavily damaged altar, shattered pews, and blood spattered across the walls. Witness Lawrence Maamari described the horrific moments, stating, “Someone entered carrying a weapon and began shooting. People tried to stop him before he blew himself up.”
Impact of the Attack on the Christian Community
This attack marks a significant escalation in violence against religious minorities in Syria, coming as the first of its kind in Damascus since the end of the brutal civil war in December. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for Syria’s interim authorities to take full responsibility for ensuring the safety and protection of all citizens.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also reacted strongly, urging the new interim government to enact concrete measures aimed at safeguarding ethnic and religious minorities in Syria. The interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has faced criticism despite his promises to protect these groups, especially in light of rising sectarian violence which has plagued the nation in recent months.
Global Reactions to the Bombing at the Christian Church
International reactions have poured in, including statements from the office of the UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, who condemned the attack and called for unity among Syrians to reject terrorism and extremism. Similarly, US special envoy Tom Barrack expressed that such cowardly acts undermine efforts towards a more inclusive and tolerant society.
The incident has shed light on the ongoing threat posed by IS and its affiliates, who have a history of targeting Christians and other religious minorities across Syria. Although IS was militarily defeated in 2019, a UN report warned of a potential resurgence, citing that between 1,500 and 3,000 fighters remain active within Syrian borders.
Additionally, the Arab League joined in condemning the attack, with Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit expressing hope that the Syrian government can regain control over these terrorist organizations.
Conclusion on Religious Safety in Syria
As Syria embarks on the road to recovery post-civil war, this tragic event exposes deep-rooted issues regarding religious safety and community coexistence. Christians, in particular, face significant threats as attacks against them continue to occur sporadically. As authorities strive for civil peace, it becomes imperative to ensure robust protection mechanisms for minority groups.
FAQ Section
What happened in the recent attack on the Christian church in Damascus?
A suicide bomber attacked the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias during a service, killing 25 people and injuring 63 others.
What group is believed to be responsible for the attack?
The attacker is believed to have affiliations with the Islamic State (IS) group, although there has been no immediate claim of responsibility from them.
What has been the response from the international community?
The global response has included condemnation from various leaders and organizations, calling for efforts to protect ethnic and religious minorities in Syria.
How is the safety of Christians affected in Syria?
Christians in Syria face ongoing threats, as evidenced by past attacks and recent violence, highlighting the need for enhanced protective measures by authorities.