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International and Arab Condemnations Follow the Explosion at Mar Elias Church in Damascus
Several Arab and Western countries strongly condemned the attack on Mar Elias Church in the Douliqa district of Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people and injuries to 63 others. This incident is considered the first of its kind since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8th last year.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry explained that initial investigations indicated that the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber believed to be affiliated with ISIS, who detonated himself inside the church while wearing an explosive belt. The explosion led to the deaths and injuries of dozens of innocent civilians. The final toll rose to more than 22 fatalities with 59 others wounded, and rescue efforts are still ongoing.
In the realm of international reactions, Qatar expressed its strong denunciation and absolute rejection of this criminal act, reaffirming its full solidarity with the Syrian government in its efforts to maintain security and stability. It also called for a rejection of violence and terrorism that threaten holy places and terrorize citizens.
Similarly, Iraq condemned all forms of terrorism and violence, viewing the targeting of religious sites as a malicious attempt to fracture social cohesion and incite sectarian strife. It emphasized the need for regional and international cooperation to confront ongoing security threats.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also condemned the attack, calling for strict measures to prevent such assaults and protect places of worship. He emphasized that the unity of the Lebanese and Syrian peoples is the only way to ward off strife and achieve peace, describing the terrorist act as an attempt to sow discord within Syria’s national fabric.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam of Lebanon expressed his strong condemnation, considering the act a malicious effort to create divisions within Syrian society and target its stability. He stressed the importance of vigilance and cooperation to prevent the spread of such operations.
Jordan reaffirmed its steadfast support for Syria, expressing solidarity with the government and people, and rejected all forms of violence and terrorism that threaten regional security and stability. Jordan also emphasized its ongoing support for Syria’s efforts to combat extremism and terrorists.
On the Saudi side, the kingdom strongly condemned the targeting of places of worship and the spilling of blood, affirming its backing for Syria in confronting all forms of violence and extremism. Saudi Arabia called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities in fighting terrorism to ensure the security and stability of Syria and its people.
