20 die in suicide bombing at Church in Syrian capital

DAMASCUS:  At least 20 people were killed in a suicide bombing that struck a church in Syria’s capital, Damascus, according to the Interior Ministry.

The explosion occurred inside a church in Damascus, with initial reports confirming multiple fatalities. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

According to a foreign news agency, witnesses said the suicide bomber blew himself up inside the church.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but the Syrian Interior Ministry said a fighter from the ISIL (ISIS) group entered the church and fired at the people there before detonating himself with an explosives vest, echoing some witness testimonies.

The death toll reported was a preliminary one. “Rescue teams from the Syria Civil Defence continue to recover bodies from the scene,” a statement on Telegram said.

Official state agency SANA, citing the Health Ministry, said that at least 50 others were wounded.

Some local media reported that children were among the casualties.

The attack was the first of its kind in Syria in years, and comes as the fledgling interim government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa is trying to win the support of minorities.