A devastating explosion rocked a church in eastern Damascus on Sunday, June 22, killing at least 20 people in what is being widely reported as a suicide attack. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Syrian capital, already scarred by years of conflict.
Witnesses initially described a powerful blast that shook the church, as reported by Reuters. The grim toll of "at least 20 killed" was subsequently highlighted by the international media, which characterized the incident as a suicide attack at the Damascus church.
Further confirmation of the nature of the attack came from Xinhua news agency, which urgently reported a "suicide bombing" hitting a church "east of Damascus." The attack is believed to have occurred while worshippers were gathered, maximizing casualties.
Emergency services were rushed to the scene, which was quickly cordoned off by security forces. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing, such attacks targeting religious sites have occurred previously in the region.