A blast shocked the church of MAR Elias in the Dweila neighborhood of Syria’s capital, Damascus, on Sunday, according to witnesses.

One witness told Reuters news agency that a suicide bomber exploded inside the church. Syrian state also reported that a suicide bomb caused the explosion.

Correspondents for the AFP news agency in the church said they saw wood shredded by equipment and pews and blood pools on the ground.

In a post on X, Interior Minister Anas Khattab said: “These terrorist acts will not hinder the Syrian state’s efforts to achieve civil peace, nor will Syrians prevent them from choosing to join in the face of all those seeking to undermine their stability and security.”

At least 20 reported dead

Security sources said at least 20 people were killed and 52 were injured, bomber suicide is said to have been a member of “Islamic State”.

A member of the white helmet, from Syria's civil defense, surveys the bomb damage
The suicide bomb was a member of the Islamic State, according to the Syrian Interior MinistryImage: Sana/AP/Picture Alliance

The Interior Ministry said the bomb entered the church, opened fire and then exploded an explosive vest.

However, there was conflicting information on how suspects were involved in the attack. A source of security, speaking on condition of anonymity, said two men were involved, including what exploded himself.

The bishop of the Moussa Khoury church said a striker also threw a grenade in the church during the afternoon.

“He started shooting, went and then exploded the church,” he told the Associated Press.

A witness who identified himself as Rawad continued to tell the AP that he saw the attacker accompanied by two others who fled while the attacker was driving near the church.

The first suicide bombing since Assad’s crash

A direct flow from Syria’s civil protection site, white helmets, showed scenes of destruction from within the church, including a bloody and pews of church and masonry.

The incident marks the first bombing of suicides inside Damascus since Bashar al-Asad has been overthrown by a rebel uprising by Islam in December.

President Syrian Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who led the offensive against Assad earliertaking over in January for a transitional phaseHe has repeatedly said that he will protect the minorities during his term.

Foreign ministers condemn violence

France condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to “a transition to Syria that allows the Syrians, despite their religion, to live in peace and security in a free, united, pluralistic, prosperous, sustainable and sovereign Syria,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine said.

The United Nations Special Prophet for Syria also expressed his anger in Sunday’s deadly attack, calling for full investigation and action by the authorities.

A statement from Geir Pedersen’s office said he “condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack on St. Elias’ church” and “expresses his anger for this serious crime.”

Edited by Sean Sinico