A suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt inside Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Damascus on Sunday, 22 June, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 50, Syrian officials reported. In a statement, the Interior Ministry said, “A suicide bomber affiliated with the terrorist ISIS organization entered Saint Mar Elias Church in the Dweila district of the capital, Damascus, where he opened fire before detonating himself with an explosive vest.” The attack marks the first deadly assault of its kind in the capital since the fall of the previous regime on 8 December, underscoring the ongoing security challenges facing Syria’s transitional authorities. A security source, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, confirmed that two men were involved in the attack, including the suicide bomber. AFP reporters at the scene witnessed ambulances transporting victims as security forces established a cordon around the church. Inside, wooden pews were scattered, stained with blood, and the wooden altar was completely destroyed. A young man, who declined to give his name, said outside the church, “Someone came in from outside carrying a weapon” before “starting to open fire.” He added,…
