Suicide Bombing of Greek Orthodox Church in Syria Kills at Least 15 Worshippers

The explosion in Dweil’a on the outskirts of Damascus took place as people were praying inside the Mar Elias Church, injuring more than 50 worshippers, according to some reports. No group immediately claimed responsibility Sunday, but the Syrian Interior Ministry said an extremist from the Islamic State group entered the church, fired at the people there before detonating himself with an explosives vest, echoing some witness testimonies. As President Ahmed al-Sharaa struggles to exert authority across the country, there have been concerns about the presence of extremist group sleeper cells in the war-torn country, an Aljazeera account of the bombing noted.

Author: Lowell Cauffiel, Lowell Cauffiel

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