News Desk
At least 20 people were killed and 52 others injured in a suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church in the Dweila area on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, according to the country’s health ministry.
The Syrian interior ministry stated that the attacker entered the church during a service, opened fire, and then detonated an explosive vest.
Photos and videos shared by the Syrian Civil Defence (White Helmets) showed extensive damage inside the church, including a shattered altar, broken pews, and bloodstains on the floor.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with one person recounting that the attacker started shooting before blowing himself up. A nearby shop worker reported seeing flames and church furniture scattered by the blast.
Security forces have sealed off the area and launched an investigation. This marks the first major attack in Damascus since the fall of it’s former President in December.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c307n9p43z9o