Deadly Church Attack in Damascus

The city of Damascus was hit by a tragic event. A man armed with a gun and explosives targeted the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias. The attack happened during an evening service on a Sunday. The explosion and gunfire left 22 people dead and 63 others injured. The church's interior was badly damaged, with shattered glass and blood everywhere. People inside the church tried to stop the attacker before he detonated his explosives. This was the first attack of its kind in Damascus since the civil war ended. The Syrian health ministry confirmed the casualties, and the interior ministry identified the attacker as a member of the Islamic State (IS) group. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch released a statement condemning the attack. They called it a "treacherous hand of evil" and urged Syrian authorities to protect all citizens. The United Nations and the United States also condemned the attack. They called for unity and rejection of terrorism and extremism in Syria. The Syrian interior minister promised that the investigation would continue. He stated that such acts would not hinder Syria's efforts towards peace. The church is located near the eastern Bab Sharqi gate of Damascus's Old City. The attack highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining security and stability in Syria. It serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat extremism and promote peace.