At least 20 people were killed Sunday in a suicide attack on a church in Damascus, authorities said, with Syria's interior ministry blaming a member of the Islamic State group.
The United Nations condemned the attack, the first of its kind in the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.
This is the first attack on a church since the country's civil war erupted in 2011.
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The attack took place in Dweil'a on the outskirts of Damascus inside the Mar Elias Church.
Photo Credit: AFP
The church was full of worshippers including children and the elderly when the blast happened.
Photo Credit: AFP
The church caught fire and the remains of wooden benches thrown all the way to the entrance.
Photo Credit: AFP
Authorities said at least 20 people were killed and dozens wounded.
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Security remains one of the greatest challenges for Syria's new authorities.
Photo Credit: AFP
Syria's foreign ministry described the attack as "a desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence and to destabilise the country".
