At least 22 people were killed and 63 others injured on Sunday evening after a suicide bomber attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, Syria, according to the country’s health ministry.

Authorities said a gunman entered the Church of the Prophet Elias in the Dweila neighborhood during a service, opened fire on worshippers, and then detonated an explosive vest.

Syria’s interior ministry said the attacker was linked to the Islamic State (IS) group, although the group has not yet claimed responsibility. Graphic images from the scene showed shattered pews, bloodstained walls, and a damaged altar.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and horror as congregants tried to stop the assailant before the explosion.

It is the first major attack in the capital since Islamist-led rebels overthrew President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, bringing an end to over a decade of civil war.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch condemned the “treacherous hand of evil” and urged interim authorities to protect places of worship and guarantee the safety of all Syrians.

Interior Minister Anas Khattab called the bombing a “reprehensible crime” and confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

UN envoy Geir Pedersen and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack also condemned the attack, calling for unity and an end to terrorism.

Although IS lost its territory in Syria in 2019, the group remains a threat. The UN estimates that up to 3,000 fighters are still active across Syria and Iraq, with many believed to be regrouping during the country’s uncertain political transition.