The Islamic State splinter group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for a bombing at Saint Elias Church in Damascus, resulting in 25 deaths and 63 injuries. The attack occurred during Sunday mass and was described by the group as retaliatory against Christians due to earlier provocations. Syrian authorities, while announcing they dismantled the responsible cell, faced denial from Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, which warned of further repercussions. This incident marks a troubling escalation in sectarian violence, being the first targeting a Christian church since the civil war began in 2011.
Saraya Ansar al-Sunna declared the bombing was in response to Christian provocations in Damascus, highlighting a long-standing sectarian tension that fuels their extremist actions.
Syria's Interior Ministry asserted that IS was behind the church attack while claiming they dismantled the responsible cell and arrested several suspects related to the incident.
Contradicting the government’s narrative, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna labeled authorities' statements about the attack as 'untrue, fabricated,' indicating ongoing sectarian strife and militant responses.
This church bombing marks a significant and tragic escalation in sectarian violence within Syria, particularly since it targeted a Christian place of worship for the first time since 2011.
Collection
[
|
...
]