Geneva: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack on a church in the Syrian capital, Damascus, calling for accountability and justice for the victims.
According to a statement by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres denounced the deadly assault that targeted worshippers during Sunday evening Mass at the St. Elias Orthodox Church in the Dweilaa neighborhood, a predominantly Christian district in eastern Damascus. The attack resulted in at least 22 deaths and left 63 others injured.
“The Secretary-General urges a comprehensive investigation into the incident,” Dujarric said. “He reiterates the importance of holding the perpetrators of terrorist acts accountable and reaffirms the UN’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace, dignity, and justice.”
Initial reports from Syrian authorities and local media suggest the Islamic State may have been responsible for the attack, which was reportedly carried out by a suicide bomber who opened fire inside the packed church before detonating an explosive device.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos, shattered icons, and blood-soaked pews following the explosion. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the death toll could rise, as many of the wounded remain in critical condition.
Guterres extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
This latest attack highlights the ongoing threat of extremism in war-torn Syria, where civilians—particularly religious minorities—remain vulnerable to violence despite years of conflict.
