A suicide bomber affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, Syria, during a prayer session, killing 22 people and injuring 63 others. Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba identified ISIS as the likely culprits, highlighting the vulnerability of places of worship. The attack has intensified political tensions in the already volatile Middle East, coming just days after the United States launched airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities and following a series of similar attacks by Israel, including strikes on Tehran.
International condemnation followed the attack, with U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack criticizing the act of terrorism and expressing support for Syria’s government in its fight against extremist groups seeking to create instability. The Syrian government described the attack as a ‘desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence,’ reflecting the prolonged conflict and political instability in the country. With the Middle East already simmering with conflict, the incident raises further concerns about escalating regional tensions and the safety of civilians in war-torn areas.