Syrian authorities have announced the arrest of several individuals linked to Sunday’s suicide bombing at Prophet Elias Church in Damascus, which killed 25 people and wounded 63 others.
The government has blamed the Islamic State (IS) group for the attack, although the group has not claimed responsibility.
The incident marks the first church bombing in Damascus since Islamist-led forces ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned the attack as “heinous” and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, pledging that security agencies would work “night and day” to track down those responsible.
The Interior Ministry reported that explosive devices and a booby-trapped motorcycle were seized during a security operation targeting IS-linked cells near the capital.
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, visited the church on Monday, reassuring mourners: “What happened is painful, but do not be afraid.” A funeral for some of the victims is set to take place on Tuesday.
The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation, including from Australia’s Archbishop Makarios. The EU reaffirmed its solidarity with Syria, calling for renewed efforts to defeat IS and protect minorities.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged Syria’s leadership to take “concrete measures” to ensure the safety of ethnic and religious minorities.
The bombing comes amid a backdrop of growing sectarian tensions in Syria and a sharp decline in the Christian population, which has fallen from around one million before the war to fewer than 300,000.
Despite its territorial defeat in 2019, IS continues to operate in parts of Syria, particularly in the country’s eastern desert.
Source: Al-Monitor
