EU 'strongly condemns' deadly church attack in Syria

BRUSSELS

The EU on Monday "strongly" condemned the "terrorist attack" that targeted the Mar Ilyas Church in Damascus, and expressed support for the Syrian people.

A suicide bomber from the ISIS (Daesh) terror group opened fire Sunday inside the church in the east of Damascus before blowing himself up, killing at least 20 people and injuring 52 others, according to the Syrian Health Ministry.

In a statement, the European External Action Service (EEAS) said: "It (attack) is a grave reminder of the need to intensify efforts against the terrorist threat and to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh and other terrorist organisations."

Reaffirming its support for the Syrian people during a critical period for the country, the EU voiced solidarity with all Syrians and backed efforts by transitional authorities to ensure nationwide security.

The incident comes just weeks after Syria's Interior Ministry announced the uncovering of ISIS cells in rural Damascus on May 26. During the raid, authorities said they seized light- and medium-sized weapons.

Since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, Syria’s security services have continued to pursue individuals accused of involvement in crimes, human rights violations, and terrorism-related activities.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, ending the Baath Party’s regime, which had been in power since 1963.