A suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest inside the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, killing at least 15 people and injuring many others.
The blast, claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS), marks a significant escalation of violence in the region.
The attacker, identified as an ISIS member, opened fire inside the church before triggering the explosion.
A security official suggested that two men were believed to be involved in the attack, but only one detonated his explosives, leaving the fate of the second suspect unclear.
The historic church suffered significant damage, with shattered pews, a blood-smeared floor, and large chunks of debris scattered across the sanctuary.
The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed the attack, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the country.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and the potential for further attacks.
The White Helmets, Syria’s civil defense group, released footage showing the devastating aftermath of the blast.