The death toll from an attack on the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a, near Damascus, Syria, has risen to 25, with 63 wounded. The attack, which occurred on Sunday during Divine Liturgy, was the first of its kind in years and is blamed on the extremist Islamic State group by the Syrian Interior Minister. Governments across the Middle East, along with the United States and the European Union, have condemned it as a terrorist attack. This incident comes as President Ahmad al-Sharaa attempts to win the support of non-Sunni-Muslim minority groups following the toppling of Bashar Assad's rule, amidst concerns about extremist sleeper cells.
Mideast governments condemn Syria church bombing as death toll jumps to 25
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The death toll from an attack on the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a, near Damascus, Syria, has risen to 25, with 63 wounded. The attack, which occurred on Sunday during Divine Liturgy, was the first of its kind in years and is blamed on the extremist Islamic State group by the Syrian Interior Minister. Governments across the Middle East, along with the United States and the European Union, have condemned it as a terrorist attack. This incident comes as President Ahmad al-Sharaa attempts to win the support of non-Sunni-Muslim minority groups following the toppling of Bashar Assad's rule, amidst concerns about extremist sleeper cells.
Trending- 1 Last December: Bashar Assad's dictatorial rule toppled in Syria
- 2 Sunday: Attack on Mar Elias Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a
- 3 Monday: State media reports death toll jumped to 25
- 4 Monday: United States, European Union, and Mideast governments condemn the attack
- 25 deaths and 63 wounded
- International condemnation of the attack
- Increased concerns about extremist sleeper cells in Syria
- Challenges for President Ahmad al-Sharaa in gaining minority support
What: An attack on the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox church, involving a gunman firing and detonating an explosive vest, resulting in 25 deaths and 63 wounded. The attack has been condemned by Mideast governments, the US, and the EU.
When: Sunday (attack), Monday (death toll update), last December (Bashar Assad's rule toppled).
Where: Mar Elias Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a, near Damascus, Syria.
Why: The Syrian Interior Minister blames the extremist Islamic State group. The attack occurs as President Ahmad al-Sharaa seeks to gain support from non-Sunni-Muslim minority groups under de facto Islamist rule, amidst concerns about extremist sleeper cells in the country.
How: A gunman entered the church, began firing at people, and then detonated his explosive vest.