22 lifeless, dozens injured after suicide bombing of Syrian church

[ad_1] June 23 (UPI) -- Greater than 22 folks had been killed and one other almost 60 had been injured when an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked a church within the Syrian capital of Damascus, officers stated.

The assault occurred Sunday on the St. Elias Church within the Al-Douweila neighborhood of the capital metropolis.

The Syrian ministry of inside stated in an announcement on X that the suicide bomber entered the church, opened hearth after which detonated their explosive vest.

Safety forces reportedly rushed to the scene and cordoned off all the space allowing specialised groups to start their investigation, it stated.

"These terrorist acts won't deter the Syrian state's efforts to attain civil peace, nor will they deter Syrians from their option to unite within the face of all those that search to undermine their stability and safety," Inside Minister Anas Khattab stated in an announcement on X

The casualty toll was initially reported by the ministry of well being as 9 lifeless and 13 injured, however the rely has steadily climbed within the hours following the assault to 22 killed and 59 injured.

Photographs revealed to the well being ministry's social media accounts present officers, together with Assistant Minister of Well being Hussein Al-Khatib, assembly with injured victims of the assault.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch posted graphic pictures of the aftermath of the assault, exhibiting blood-strewn flooring and what seem like the stays of our bodies.

"The arrow of lawlessness was unleashed and struck our souls within the evening," it stated in an announcement.

"We pray for the repose of the souls of the martyrs, for the therapeutic of the wounded and for the consolation of the trustworthy of the Church."

United Nations Particular Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen condemned the assault in an announcement, expressing his outrage at "this heinous crime."

U.S. Ambassador to Syria Tom Barrack additionally provided his condolences.

"These horrible acts of cowardice haven't any place within the new tapestry of built-in tolerance and inclusion that Syrians are weaving," he stated on X.

"We proceed to assist the Syrian authorities because it fights in opposition to those that are looking for to create instability and concern of their nation and the broader area."