Syria Church Bombing: IS Splinter Group Claims Responsibility

Syria Church Bombing: IS Splinter Group Claims Responsibility

A splinter group of the Islamic State (IS), Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing of a Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria, on Sunday.

The attack, which took place at the Saint Elias Church in al-Dweilaa during Sunday mass, resulted in 25 fatalities and 63 injuries. The group cited unspecified "provocations by Christians in Damascus" as the motive behind the attack. This follows a March dispute at the church regarding Islamic chants.

Government Response and Denial

Syrian authorities initially attributed the attack to IS and announced the dismantling of the responsible cell, but Saraya Ansar al-Sunna denied these claims.

International Reaction

Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow and offered prayers for the victims and peace in Syria.

Impact of the War

The attack marks a grim milestone as the first of its kind against a Christian church since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. The Christian population in Syria has significantly decreased due to war and persecution.