Su!cide bombing in Damascus church kills at least 25 (photos/Video)

At least 25 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a suicide bombing that took place at a church on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, according to the country’s Ministry of Health and security officials.

The attack occurred during mass at the Mar Elias Church in the Dweil’a district, where worshippers had gathered for prayer. The explosion ripped through the congregation, resulting in mass casualties and widespread panic.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior confirmed the bombing and extended condolences to the families of the victims, announcing that an investigation is currently underway.

 “These terrorist acts will not halt the Syrian state’s efforts to achieve civil peace, nor will they deter Syrians from their commitment to unity and stability,” the ministry said in a statement on social media.

The death toll is expected to rise, as the ministry noted that the initial figures were preliminary. “Rescue teams from the Syria Civil Defence continue to recover bodies from the scene,” a statement posted to Telegram on Sunday confirmed.

The Syrian Health Ministry reported that at least 50 others were wounded, including several children. Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror and chaos in the aftermath of the blast.

“This cowardly attack goes against the civic values that unite us,” said Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mostafa in a social media post. “We will not back down from our commitment to equal citizenship and the fight against criminal organizations threatening our society.”

Al-Mostafa described the bombing as a “terrorist attack” and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to protect citizens from such violence.

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, also condemned the bombing.

“He expresses his outrage at this heinous crime,” a statement from his office said. “He takes note that Syrian interim authorities have attributed this attack to ISIL and calls for a full investigation and appropriate action by the authorities.”

ISIL formally claimed responsibility for the bombing, and security sources say Islamic State (ISIL) operatives remain active in pockets of Syria and may have carried out the assault.

The incident comes amid ongoing instability in Syria and renewed concerns over the safety of religious minorities and vulnerable communities across the region.