Iraq condemns deadly church bombing in Damascus as terrorist act

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned a deadly suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, describing the attack as an act of terrorism and expressing solidarity with the Syrian people.

In an official statement, the ministry referred to the June 23 blast as a “terrorist suicide bombing” and strongly denounced the targeting of civilians and places of worship in the Syrian capital.

“We categorically reject all forms of terrorism and violence that target civilians and sacred sites,” the statement said. “Iraq stands in solidarity with the brotherly people of Syria.”

The attack occurred during Sunday services at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Dweila area of Damascus. At least 20 civilians were killed and more than 50 others injured, according to Syrian authorities.

Officials said the attacker, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State group, opened fire before detonating an explosive vest inside the church. Authorities also said a second gunman may have been involved.

Full statement from Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Iraq:

The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Iraq strongly condemns and denounces the terrorist suicide bombing that targeted the Mar Elias Church in the Syrian capital, Damascus, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and injuries to others.

The Ministry reaffirms Iraq’s categorical rejection of all forms of terrorism and violence targeting civilians and places of worship. As well it reiterates Iraq’s firm stance in standing in solidarity with the brotherly people of Syria.

The Ministry warns of the dangers posed by such criminal acts, which aim to incite division and sow discord among the segments of society.

The targeting of places of worship and religious sites is a malicious attempt to undermine social cohesion and drag communities into sectarian violence, this demands greater vigilance and enhanced regional and international cooperation to stop such schemes.

The Ministry offers its deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.