A devastating suicide bombing struck a church in the Dweila district of Damascus on Sunday, killing more than 20 worshippers and raising fresh concerns about the resurgence of sectarian violence in Syria.

The attack occurred during a religious service at the Mar Elias Church, where eyewitnesses reported that a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest inside the building.

Syria TV confirmed the explosion, which initially appeared to be a general blast in the area before it was revealed that the church was the specific target. Emergency services responded swiftly, and security forces have since cordoned off the site of the attack.

No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, the assault comes amid growing instability in Syria, where militant factions, including remnants of ISIS, have capitalized on the ongoing political vacuum following the fall of the Assad government.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the Christian community in Syria and renewed fears of a broader sectarian conflict in a country still struggling to recover from years of civil war. (ILKHA)