Isis suicide attack on a church in Damascus, at least 20 killed

A powerful explosion caused by a suicide bomber has semi-destroyed a church in the Syrian capital Damascus, leaving at least 20 people dead and 52 injured, according to an initial assessment by rescue workers. The Syrian Interior Ministry said that the Damascus church bomber belonged to the 'Daesh terrorist group', i.e. Isis. It added that the 'suicide terrorist' allegedly shot inside the church before blowing himself up.

The Mar Elias church in the Dwelah district, where the bomber blew himself up, is home to a large Christian community. Pictures posted on social media show the devastated interior of the church and the bodies of several victims inside, while ambulances rushed to the scene to evacuate the injured.