Deadly Attack Strikes Saint Elias Church in Damascus
A brutal suicide bombing rocked the Saint Elias church in Damascus, leaving more than 20 people dead and dozens injured in a horrifying attack that shattered the sanctity of the place of worship.
The Incident Unfolds
During Sunday prayers, worshippers were caught off guard when a suicide bomber, allegedly linked to the extremist group Daesh (IS), entered the church armed and opened fire at those inside before detonating his explosive vest. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic moments marked by panic and confusion as people scrambled for safety amid flying glass and debris.
Scenes of Devastation and Grief
The aftermath revealed a grisly scene: bloodstains and human remains scattered across the damaged interior, shattered windows, demolished wooden pews, and a broken central chandelier. One eyewitness, Lawrence Maamari, relayed how he witnessed the attacker entering the church with a weapon and launching his assault. Maamari assisted in evacuating about 10 injured individuals before emergency services arrived.
Heartbreak Among Families
Among the distraught was Umm George, a mother desperately trying to find her son who was inside during the explosion. She was seen pleading with authorities to allow her access to the church, but with no success. Her fear and sorrow captured the wider anguish felt by many families rushing to the scene in Damascus’s Dwelaa district.
Context and Significance
This attack is unprecedented in the 14-year conflict that has gripped Syria, marking the first direct suicide bombing inside a church during the war. Historically, places of worship have either been damaged indirectly or targeted from afar, but such a brazen assault inside a church signals a chilling escalation.
Officials reaffirmed that the attacker was affiliated with Daesh (IS). The incident also represents the first such attack since the recent change in Syrian leadership, amid ongoing international calls for the protection of minority communities who have endured years of violence.
Community in Shock
Ziad Helou, a witness living opposite the church, described hearing gunfire before the blast and witnessing the ensuing fire and destruction, recounting the terror reminiscent of wartime memories. "We were extremely afraid," he said, recalling the chaos and fear that gripped the neighborhood.
Impact and Aftermath
- Deaths: Over 20 people lost, including children and elderly worshippers.
- Injuries: Dozens sustained various wounds requiring urgent medical attention.
- Damage: Extensive structural damage to the church, including broken windows and destroyed furnishings.
- Security Response: Syrian security forces swiftly secured the site and initiated investigations.
The attack has left the local community reeling, reigniting fears about the safety of minorities and places of worship amid Syria's fragile security landscape. As families mourn their losses, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the conflict’s persistent human toll.
