The United Nations has strongly condemned a deadly suicide bombing that struck the Greek Orthodox St. Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, on Sunday, killing 25 worshippers and injuring more than 60 others, including women and children.
According to reports, the attacker opened fire on congregants during a Sunday Mass in the Dweila neighbourhood before detonating an explosive vest inside the church. Shocking images from the scene showed a shattered altar and pews littered with broken glass.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the attack as a “heinous crime” and extended his condolences to the victims’ families, while wishing a swift recovery to those injured.
“All perpetrators of terrorism must be held accountable,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, in a statement released Monday.
Preliminary investigations by Syrian interim authorities have attributed the attack to the terrorist group ISIL (also known as Da’esh). Guterres called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
“The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of peace, dignity, and justice,” Dujarric added.
UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, also condemned the bombing “in the strongest possible terms” and urged the authorities to ensure justice for the victims.
“There must be unity in rejecting terrorism, extremism, incitement, and the targeting of any community in Syria,” Pedersen said.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, described the attack as a “deliberate act of violence against a place of worship” and stressed that the victims were innocent civilians who had gathered in prayer.
“There is no room for violence and extremism,” Abdelmoula stated, calling for solidarity in the face of tragedy and urging continued efforts to protect civilians and support Syria’s path toward recovery and reconciliation.
The attack underscores the fragile security situation in Syria and the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups, even as the country attempts to emerge from over a decade of conflict.
