Syrian authorities say a man detonated a bomb vest at a Greek Orthodox church in the country’s capital, killing at least 22 people, including himself.
Dozens of others were injured in the explosion.
Officials have blamed the suicide bomber attack on the Islamic State. The group has not claimed responsibility.
It’s one of the most violent attacks in Syria since former leader Bashar al-Assad’s regime was toppled in December.
Here’s what we know so far.
What happened?
Authorities said a man entered the St. Elias church in the capital, Damascus, on Sunday (local time).
The man “opened fire” on the congregation before he “detonated himself with an explosive vest”.
Photos from the church show bombed-out pews and a demolished altar.
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At least 22 people were killed in the attack and more than 60 others were wounded, according to the latest update from Syria’s Health Ministry.
Islamic State
Syria’s interior ministry blamed the attack on the Islamic State, labelling it a “terrorist attack” in remarks published by state-run media outlet SANA.
The Islamic State has not commented on the attack. It had previously controlled parts of Syria, but lost its territory in 2019.
Australia lists Islamic State as a terrorist group. It is not affiliated with any mainstream Islamic organisation.
Syria
The bombing inside the Greek Orthodox church is one of the most violent attacks since Assad’s regime fell.
A group of rebel forces ousted Assad in December, ending his family’s 54-year rule.
The country still faces instability. In March, hundreds of people from the Alawite ethnoreligious group, believed to be Assad loyalists, were reportedly killed as part of a broader crackdown aligned with the new government.
