Syria: Death toll rises to 22 in Damascus church attack

Syria's health ministry said an attack on a church in Damascus on Sunday killed 20 people, state media reported, raising an earlier civil defence toll of 15 dead.

"The number of victims in the terrorist attack that targeted the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of Damascus has risen to 20 dead and 52 wounded," said a health ministry statement carried by state news agency SANA.

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The incident marks the first suicide bombing inside Damascus since Bashar Al Assad was toppled by an rebel insurgency in December.

Syria's interior ministry said the suicide bomber was a member of a miltant organisation. He entered the church, opened fire and then detonated his explosive vest, the ministry added in a statement.

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A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said two men were involved in the attack, including the one who blew himself up.

A livestream from the site by Syria's civil defence, the White Helmets, showed scenes of destruction from within the church, including a bloodied floor and shattered church pews and masonry.

Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa, who led the offensive against Assad before taking over in January for a transitional phase, has repeatedly said he will protect minorities during his tenure.

France condemns attack

France's foreign ministry condemned the "abject, terrorist" attack. France reiterated its commitment to "a transition in Syria that allows Syrians, whatever their religion, to live in peace and security in a free, united, pluralistic, prosperous, stable and sovereign Syria", said foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine.

'Take immediate action'

"We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria," the Greek foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We demand that the Syrian transitional authorities take immediate action to hold those involved accountable and implement measures to guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups, allowing them to live without fear."