Syrian government points finger at Islamic State over attack on Church of Mar Elias

DARAMSUQ — Following the deadly attack on the Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Church of Mar Elias which martyred 28 worshippers and left dozens of others wounded, some in critical condition, Syrian government officials blamed the Islamic State (ISIS) for the attack.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din Baba stated that preliminary investigations point to the involvement of ISIS militants.

In a press conference, Baba emphasized ongoing coordination with relevant authorities to collect information, investigate the incident, and identify the perpetrators, assuring that all those responsible will be held accountable. He also confirmed plans to restore the church to its original condition.

Baba stated that the target of this terrorist attack was all Syrians, not a particular sect, and that its purpose was to portray the Syrian state as incapable of protecting its citizens. The Syrian Minister of Information also attributed the attack to ISIS militants.

Daramsuq (Damascus) Governor Maher Marwan, speaking from the bombing site, accused remnants of the former regime of sabotage in the area and stressed that all involved parties would face justice.

Several Syrian government officials visited the injured in the hospital, including the Governor Marwan, Deputy Interior Minister Major General Ahmad Lattouf, Minister of Higher Education Marwan al-Halabi, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Kabawat, the Deputy Health Minister, who expressed sorrow for the victims and prayed for their mercy.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Awqaf condemned the terrorist act, describing it as an attempt to undermine national coexistence and destabilize the country.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate declared a day of mourning for the victims, during which church bells rang from 11 AM to 12 PM.