DAMASCUS — A suicide bomber linked to Islamic State killed 22 people and injured 63 during a Sunday service at Saint Elias Church in Damascus, in Syria's first church attack since the civil war began in 2011.

Authorities said the attacker entered the packed Orthodox church in the Dwelaa area, opened fire, and detonated an explosive belt. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation, with blood, shattered pews, and frantic families searching for loved ones.

The blast marks the first time a church in Syria has been directly targeted by a suicide bomber. The international community, including the UN, US, and France, condemned the attack and urged protection of minorities. Syria’s Christian population has dwindled significantly since the war began.

Interior Minister Anas Khattab vowed a full investigation, calling the attack a failed attempt to disrupt national unity. IS, though territorially defeated in 2019, has recently stepped up targeted strikes across Syria.