A suicide bomber blew himself up in a church filled with people on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, killing at least nine people.
This was reported by the Associated Press, citing Syrian state media.
Terrorist attack on a church in Damascus
The blast occurred in the town of Dweila on the outskirts of Damascus during a service at the Church of St. Elias. At least 15 people were injured in the attack, according to the Syrian Health Ministry.
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The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said 30 people were killed or wounded, but did not give exact figures. Some local media reported that children were among the victims.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The deadly attack on a church in Damascus was carried out by a suicide bomber linked to the Islamic State group, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry.
One witness told media that he saw the attacker shoot at the church and then go inside and blow himself up.
Security forces and emergency services arrived at the church after the blast. Media reports say that survivors were crying in panic. Photos circulating on social media show church pews and icons covered in debris and blood.
