“a suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group entered the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of the capital Damascus where he opened fire then blew himself up with an explosive belt.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has condemned a suicide attack on a church in Damascus that resulted in the death of no fewer than 20 persons.

A statement by the Syria’s interior ministry said that “a suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group entered the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of the capital Damascus where he opened fire then blew himself up with an explosive belt.”

The authorities noted the Kingdom’s stand condemning the targeting of places of worship, including terrorizing civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood.

It affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.

UN Syria envoy shares ‘outrage’

Incident marks the first suicide bombing inside Damascus since Bashar Assad was toppled in December

Arab News quoted a security source, who revealed on condition of anonymity that two men were involved in the church attack, including the one who blew himself up.

Syria’s state news agency had previously cited the health ministry as putting the preliminary casualty toll at nine dead and 13 injured.

But a livestream from the site by Syria’s civil defense, the White Helmets, had presented scenes of destruction from within the church, including a bloodied floor and shattered church pews and masonry.

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who led the offensive against Assad before taking over in January for a transitional phase, has repeatedly said he will protect minorities during his tenure.

The Syrian foreign ministry said the attack was an attempt to undermine coexistence in the multi-sectarian, multi-ethnic country. Syria considers “this criminal act, which targeted members of the Christian community, a desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence and to destabilise the country”, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Turkiye’s foreign ministry described the “treacherous” attack in Damascus and said that it was aimed to disrupt efforts to achieve stability and security in Syria.

“Our belief is full that the Syrian administration and its people will maintain their unity and solidarity, and continue with determination the battle with terrorist organization wanting to create chaos in the country,” the ministry said in a statement, adding Turkiye would continue supporting Syria.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen “condemned in the strongest possible terms” the attack, according to a statement.

The envoy expressed his “outrage” at what he called a “heinous crime.”

The statement said Pedersen took note that the Syrian interim authorities attributed this attack to Daesh and called for a full investigation and action by the authorities.

He appealed to all to unite in “rejecting terrorism, extremism, incitement and the targeting of any community in Syria.”

Pedersen also sent his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and his hope for the recovery of those injured.