Suicide bomber attack at Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in Daramsuq

DARAMSUQ — A suicide bombing attack at the Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in the Douileh neighborhood of Daramsuq (Damascus) on Sunday afternoon resulted in several casualties, sending shockwaves through the local community. Civilians, including women and children, who were inside the church at the time of the blast, were among the victims, with reports confirming fatalities and injuries.

According to eyewitness reports, a gunman wearing an explosive vest stormed the church and opening fire. He then detonated his explosive vest.

The attack prompted immediate intervention by civil defense teams and medical personnel. Victims were evacuated to hospitals in Daramsuq, where an alert was issued to handle the influx of injured. Ambulance teams worked to secure the area while local security forces cordoned off the site, blocking neighborhood entrances as a precaution against potential further attacks.

The Church of Mar Elias, a prominent Christian landmark in the region, holds significant spiritual and historical value for the local community.

The attack has reignited fears of a return to sectarian violence in the region. While Daramsuq has experienced relative stability in recent years, such incidents underscore lingering security vulnerabilities. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, leaving questions about the motive and perpetrators.