A suicide bomber opened fire and detonated a suicide vest inside a Greek Orthodox church near Damascus on Sunday, killing at least 20 people and injuring 52 others.
The attack occurred in the town of Dweila, just outside the capital, inside the Mar Elias Church, according to Syrian state media. Local reports indicated that children were among the dead and wounded.
Witnesses described a masked gunman entering the church during services and opening fire before detonating explosives when worshippers attempted to stop him. According to the Associated Press, Father Fadi Ghattas said the attack happened as around 350 people were gathered for prayer. One witness claimed there was a second gunman who reportedly fired on the church doors before the main assailant detonated himself.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility as of Sunday, the Syrian Interior Ministry blamed the Islamic State group, stating that one of its members carried out the attack by firing into the crowd before detonating his vest.
