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Asharq Al-Awsat
6 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Syrian Interior Ministry Arrests ISIS Cell Responsible for Church Attack
Hours after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed that those involved in a 'heinous' suicide attack on a Damascus church a day earlier would face justice, Syria's Interior Ministry said authorities had arrested several suspects in connection with the attack. The shooting and suicide bombing Sunday at the Mar Elias church in the Dweila district of the Syrian capital killed 25 people and injured 63 others, according to the Health Ministry. 'In coordination with the General Intelligence Service, the Ministry carried out security operations against ISIS-linked terrorist cells in the Damascus countryside, arresting a cell leader and five members, and killing two others affiliated with the terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus,' the Syrian Interior Ministry said in a statement on Monday. 'During the raid, quantities of weapons and ammunition were seized, in addition to explosive vests and mines. A motorcycle bomb that had been prepared for detonation was also found,' it said. On Monday, the Syrian President expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the church bombing. He said 'this heinous crime that targeted innocent people in their worship places reminds us of the importance of solidarity and unity –government and people- in confronting threats to our security and the stability of our country.' Sharaa added, 'Today, we all stand united, rejecting injustice and crime in all its forms. We pledge to the victims that we will work day and night, mobilizing all our specialized security services, to apprehend all those who participated in and planned this heinous crime and bring them to justice to face their just punishment.' The attack is the first such bombing in Damascus since the fall of Bashar Assad's regime. It raised fear among the people. Commenting on the attack, a man in his 70s described the attack as 'a huge and horrible strike,' stressing the need for 'the authorities to tighten security measures on churches, all places of worship, and busy places.' On Monday, Asharq Al-Awsat spotted heavy deployment of local security agents in the capital's neighborhoods and major roads, amid heightened security measures. Adbdulrahman Alhaj, a researcher in Islamic studies, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Interior Ministry statement that linked the attack to an ISIS suicide attack is a suggestion that the ministry's spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba had mentioned in his Sunday press briefing. Alhaj said he supports the ministry's conclusions as ISIS had recently issued several threats signaling plans to confront the new regime in Damascus particularly, al-Sharaa.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Syrian president condemns 'despicable' church attack
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to bring the perpetrators of a deadly suicide bombing to justice after an attack on a church in the capital left dozens dead and wounded. Al-Sharaa denounced the bombing as a "despicable crime" that targeted innocent worshippers at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the al-Dula district of Damascus. "This horrific act has shaken the conscience of the entire nation," he said, extending condolences to the families of the victims. At least 25 people were killed and 63 injured in Sunday's explosion, according to the Interior Ministry. Officials have blamed the Islamic State group for the attack, raising alarms over the group's lingering threat in the country. Al-Sharaa urged Syrians to rally together, stressing the importance of solidarity in the face of terrorism. "This heinous act reminds us of the urgent need for unity - between the government and the people - to confront anything that threatens our country's security and stability," he said. Although Islamic State was declared militarily defeated in Syria in 2019, its sleeper cells continue to launch sporadic attacks, exploiting security gaps in the war-torn country. Concerns over a potential resurgence have intensified since the toppling of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. The attack has also renewed fears for Syria's religious minorities, particularly Christians, amid a fragile political transition. The current interim government, dominated by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, faces growing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers regarding the protection of minority rights. With the majority of Syrians identifying as Sunni Muslims, calls are mounting for the transitional leadership to ensure inclusive governance and security for all communities. Syria's Interior Ministry announced on Monday that security units, in co-ordination with the General Intelligence Service, have made significant progress in identifying and dismantling the responsible terrorist network. "Following the treacherous terrorist attack, our security forces intensified their efforts - gathering intelligence, analysing evidence and establishing a joint operations room with the General Intelligence Service to cross-check and verify information," a statement read. According to the ministry, this collaborative work led to a series of precision operations targeting terrorist cells linked to Islamic State in the outskirts of the capital, specifically in the towns of Harasta and Kafr Batna, near Damascus. "These operations led to armed clashes, resulting in the arrest of the cell leader and five of his associates. Two other terrorists were killed during the raids - one of whom had facilitated the suicide bomber's entry into the church, and another who was preparing for a separate attack in a different Damascus neighbourhood," the statement said. Authorities also seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, explosive vests and mines. Notably, a motorcycle rigged with explosives and intended for detonation was discovered and safely neutralised. "The Interior Ministry affirms that these cowardly terrorist acts will only strengthen our resolve. We will relentlessly pursue all those who attempt to undermine the nation's security," the ministry concluded. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to bring the perpetrators of a deadly suicide bombing to justice after an attack on a church in the capital left dozens dead and wounded. Al-Sharaa denounced the bombing as a "despicable crime" that targeted innocent worshippers at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the al-Dula district of Damascus. "This horrific act has shaken the conscience of the entire nation," he said, extending condolences to the families of the victims. At least 25 people were killed and 63 injured in Sunday's explosion, according to the Interior Ministry. Officials have blamed the Islamic State group for the attack, raising alarms over the group's lingering threat in the country. Al-Sharaa urged Syrians to rally together, stressing the importance of solidarity in the face of terrorism. "This heinous act reminds us of the urgent need for unity - between the government and the people - to confront anything that threatens our country's security and stability," he said. Although Islamic State was declared militarily defeated in Syria in 2019, its sleeper cells continue to launch sporadic attacks, exploiting security gaps in the war-torn country. Concerns over a potential resurgence have intensified since the toppling of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. The attack has also renewed fears for Syria's religious minorities, particularly Christians, amid a fragile political transition. The current interim government, dominated by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, faces growing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers regarding the protection of minority rights. With the majority of Syrians identifying as Sunni Muslims, calls are mounting for the transitional leadership to ensure inclusive governance and security for all communities. Syria's Interior Ministry announced on Monday that security units, in co-ordination with the General Intelligence Service, have made significant progress in identifying and dismantling the responsible terrorist network. "Following the treacherous terrorist attack, our security forces intensified their efforts - gathering intelligence, analysing evidence and establishing a joint operations room with the General Intelligence Service to cross-check and verify information," a statement read. According to the ministry, this collaborative work led to a series of precision operations targeting terrorist cells linked to Islamic State in the outskirts of the capital, specifically in the towns of Harasta and Kafr Batna, near Damascus. "These operations led to armed clashes, resulting in the arrest of the cell leader and five of his associates. Two other terrorists were killed during the raids - one of whom had facilitated the suicide bomber's entry into the church, and another who was preparing for a separate attack in a different Damascus neighbourhood," the statement said. Authorities also seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, explosive vests and mines. Notably, a motorcycle rigged with explosives and intended for detonation was discovered and safely neutralised. "The Interior Ministry affirms that these cowardly terrorist acts will only strengthen our resolve. We will relentlessly pursue all those who attempt to undermine the nation's security," the ministry concluded. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to bring the perpetrators of a deadly suicide bombing to justice after an attack on a church in the capital left dozens dead and wounded. Al-Sharaa denounced the bombing as a "despicable crime" that targeted innocent worshippers at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the al-Dula district of Damascus. "This horrific act has shaken the conscience of the entire nation," he said, extending condolences to the families of the victims. At least 25 people were killed and 63 injured in Sunday's explosion, according to the Interior Ministry. Officials have blamed the Islamic State group for the attack, raising alarms over the group's lingering threat in the country. Al-Sharaa urged Syrians to rally together, stressing the importance of solidarity in the face of terrorism. "This heinous act reminds us of the urgent need for unity - between the government and the people - to confront anything that threatens our country's security and stability," he said. Although Islamic State was declared militarily defeated in Syria in 2019, its sleeper cells continue to launch sporadic attacks, exploiting security gaps in the war-torn country. Concerns over a potential resurgence have intensified since the toppling of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. The attack has also renewed fears for Syria's religious minorities, particularly Christians, amid a fragile political transition. The current interim government, dominated by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, faces growing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers regarding the protection of minority rights. With the majority of Syrians identifying as Sunni Muslims, calls are mounting for the transitional leadership to ensure inclusive governance and security for all communities. Syria's Interior Ministry announced on Monday that security units, in co-ordination with the General Intelligence Service, have made significant progress in identifying and dismantling the responsible terrorist network. "Following the treacherous terrorist attack, our security forces intensified their efforts - gathering intelligence, analysing evidence and establishing a joint operations room with the General Intelligence Service to cross-check and verify information," a statement read. According to the ministry, this collaborative work led to a series of precision operations targeting terrorist cells linked to Islamic State in the outskirts of the capital, specifically in the towns of Harasta and Kafr Batna, near Damascus. "These operations led to armed clashes, resulting in the arrest of the cell leader and five of his associates. Two other terrorists were killed during the raids - one of whom had facilitated the suicide bomber's entry into the church, and another who was preparing for a separate attack in a different Damascus neighbourhood," the statement said. Authorities also seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, explosive vests and mines. Notably, a motorcycle rigged with explosives and intended for detonation was discovered and safely neutralised. "The Interior Ministry affirms that these cowardly terrorist acts will only strengthen our resolve. We will relentlessly pursue all those who attempt to undermine the nation's security," the ministry concluded. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to bring the perpetrators of a deadly suicide bombing to justice after an attack on a church in the capital left dozens dead and wounded. Al-Sharaa denounced the bombing as a "despicable crime" that targeted innocent worshippers at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the al-Dula district of Damascus. "This horrific act has shaken the conscience of the entire nation," he said, extending condolences to the families of the victims. At least 25 people were killed and 63 injured in Sunday's explosion, according to the Interior Ministry. Officials have blamed the Islamic State group for the attack, raising alarms over the group's lingering threat in the country. Al-Sharaa urged Syrians to rally together, stressing the importance of solidarity in the face of terrorism. "This heinous act reminds us of the urgent need for unity - between the government and the people - to confront anything that threatens our country's security and stability," he said. Although Islamic State was declared militarily defeated in Syria in 2019, its sleeper cells continue to launch sporadic attacks, exploiting security gaps in the war-torn country. Concerns over a potential resurgence have intensified since the toppling of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. The attack has also renewed fears for Syria's religious minorities, particularly Christians, amid a fragile political transition. The current interim government, dominated by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, faces growing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers regarding the protection of minority rights. With the majority of Syrians identifying as Sunni Muslims, calls are mounting for the transitional leadership to ensure inclusive governance and security for all communities. Syria's Interior Ministry announced on Monday that security units, in co-ordination with the General Intelligence Service, have made significant progress in identifying and dismantling the responsible terrorist network. "Following the treacherous terrorist attack, our security forces intensified their efforts - gathering intelligence, analysing evidence and establishing a joint operations room with the General Intelligence Service to cross-check and verify information," a statement read. According to the ministry, this collaborative work led to a series of precision operations targeting terrorist cells linked to Islamic State in the outskirts of the capital, specifically in the towns of Harasta and Kafr Batna, near Damascus. "These operations led to armed clashes, resulting in the arrest of the cell leader and five of his associates. Two other terrorists were killed during the raids - one of whom had facilitated the suicide bomber's entry into the church, and another who was preparing for a separate attack in a different Damascus neighbourhood," the statement said. Authorities also seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, explosive vests and mines. Notably, a motorcycle rigged with explosives and intended for detonation was discovered and safely neutralised. "The Interior Ministry affirms that these cowardly terrorist acts will only strengthen our resolve. We will relentlessly pursue all those who attempt to undermine the nation's security," the ministry concluded.
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Syrian president condemns ‘despicable' church attack
dpa Damascus Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed Monday to bring the perpetrators of a deadly suicide bombing to justice after an attack on a church in the capital left dozens dead and wounded. Al-Sharaa denounced the bombing as a 'despicable crime' that targeted innocent worshippers at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Al-Dula district of Damascus. 'This horrific act has shaken the conscience of the entire nation,' he said, extending condolences to the families of the victims. At least 25 people were killed and 63 injured in Sunday's explosion, according to the Interior Ministry. Officials have blamed the Islamic State for the attack, raising alarms over the group's lingering threat in the country. Al-Sharaa urged Syrians to rally together, stressing the importance of national solidarity in the face of terrorism. 'This heinous act reminds us of the urgent need for unity - between the government and the people - to confront anything that threatens our country's security and stability,' he said. Though Islamic State was declared militarily defeated in Syria in 2019, its sleeper cells continue to launch sporadic attacks, exploiting security gaps in the war-torn nation. Concerns over a potential resurgence have intensified since the toppling of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. The attack has also renewed fears for Syria's religious minorities, particularly Christians, amid a fragile political transition. The current interim government, dominated by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, faces growing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers regarding the protection of minority rights. With the majority of Syrians identifying as Sunni Muslims, calls are mounting for the transitional leadership to ensure inclusive governance and security for all communities. Syria's Interior Ministry announced on Monday that security units, in coordination with the General Intelligence Service, have made significant progress in identifying and dismantling the responsible terrorist network. 'Following the treacherous terrorist attack, our security forces intensified their efforts - gathering intelligence, analysing evidence and establishing a joint operations room with the General Intelligence Service to cross-check and verify information,' a statement read. According to the ministry, this collaborative work led to a series of precision operations targeting terrorist cells linked to the Islamic State in the outskirts of the capital, specifically in the towns of Harasta and Kafr Batna, near Damascus.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Syrian president condemns 'despicable' church attack
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed to bring the perpetrators of a deadly suicide bombing to justice after an attack on a church in the capital left dozens dead and wounded. Al-Sharaa denounced the bombing as a "despicable crime" that targeted innocent worshippers at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the al-Dula district of Damascus. "This horrific act has shaken the conscience of the entire nation," he said, extending condolences to the families of the victims. At least 25 people were killed and 63 injured in Sunday's explosion, according to the Interior Ministry. Officials have blamed the Islamic State group for the attack, raising alarms over the group's lingering threat in the country. Al-Sharaa urged Syrians to rally together, stressing the importance of solidarity in the face of terrorism. "This heinous act reminds us of the urgent need for unity - between the government and the people - to confront anything that threatens our country's security and stability," he said. Although Islamic State was declared militarily defeated in Syria in 2019, its sleeper cells continue to launch sporadic attacks, exploiting security gaps in the war-torn country. Concerns over a potential resurgence have intensified since the toppling of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. The attack has also renewed fears for Syria's religious minorities, particularly Christians, amid a fragile political transition. The current interim government, dominated by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, faces growing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers regarding the protection of minority rights. With the majority of Syrians identifying as Sunni Muslims, calls are mounting for the transitional leadership to ensure inclusive governance and security for all communities. Syria's Interior Ministry announced on Monday that security units, in co-ordination with the General Intelligence Service, have made significant progress in identifying and dismantling the responsible terrorist network. "Following the treacherous terrorist attack, our security forces intensified their efforts - gathering intelligence, analysing evidence and establishing a joint operations room with the General Intelligence Service to cross-check and verify information," a statement read. According to the ministry, this collaborative work led to a series of precision operations targeting terrorist cells linked to Islamic State in the outskirts of the capital, specifically in the towns of Harasta and Kafr Batna, near Damascus. "These operations led to armed clashes, resulting in the arrest of the cell leader and five of his associates. Two other terrorists were killed during the raids - one of whom had facilitated the suicide bomber's entry into the church, and another who was preparing for a separate attack in a different Damascus neighbourhood," the statement said. Authorities also seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, explosive vests and mines. Notably, a motorcycle rigged with explosives and intended for detonation was discovered and safely neutralised. "The Interior Ministry affirms that these cowardly terrorist acts will only strengthen our resolve. We will relentlessly pursue all those who attempt to undermine the nation's security," the ministry concluded.
Middle East
16-06-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// PM forms crisis committee on repercussions of Iranian-Israeli military operations
CAIRO, June 16 (MENA) - Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has issued a decision to form a crisis committee under his chairmanship to monitor the repercussions of the Iranian-Israeli military operations, to enhance preparedness for any developments across various sectors. In a statement Monday, Cabinet Spokesman Mohamed el Homsany said the committee groups the governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, alongside the ministers of industry, planning, economic development and international cooperation, electricity and renewable energy, finance, supply and internal trade, and petroleum and mineral resources. It also includes representatives from the ministries of defense and interior, as well as the General Intelligence Service and the Administrative Control Authority. The spokesman added that the premier will hold regular meetings with the committee members and is currently intensifying his meetings with various advisory committees to discuss the implications of recent events and their impact on different sectors. (MENA) M S H/R E E
