…People Tried to Stop Him – Eyewitness
Hussaini Kafi in Kano
At least 22 people were killed and 63 others injured after a suicide bomber attacked the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in Damascus on Sunday evening.
Syria’s Interior Ministry said the assailant opened fire during a church service in the Dweila neighbourhood before detonating an explosive vest. He was reportedly affiliated with the Islamic State group, though no claim has been made.
“Someone entered from outside carrying a weapon,” eyewitness Lawrence Maamari told AFP. “People tried to stop him before he blew himself up.”
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate described the bombing as “a treacherous hand of evil” and urged interim authorities to protect citizens and religious sanctuaries.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab called the attack a “reprehensible crime” and vowed justice.
UN envoy Geir Pedersen and US envoy Tom Barrack condemned the bombing, urging Syrians to reject extremism.
This marks the deadliest assault in Damascus since the regime’s fall last December.
