Arab Nations unite in condemnation after Mar Elias Church suicide bombing in Damascus

Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia Denounce the tragic terror attack, echoing global outrage over rising extremism

Kuwait City: At least 22 people were killed and 63 injured in a suicide bombing at Mar Elias (St. Elias) Orthodox Church in Damascus on Sunday evening, according to Syrian authorities. Two attackers stormed the predominantly Christian Dweilaa neighbourhood during Mass, opened fire on worshippers, and detonated explosive belts near the entrance.

Several Arab countries have swiftly condemned the horrific incident. Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Qatar each issued statements denouncing the attack and reaffirming their rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism.

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Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its strong condemnation, stating: “The Ministry affirms the State of Kuwait’s firm stance rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism, regardless of their motives. It expresses the State of Kuwait’s sincere condolences to the government and people of the Syrian Arab Republic and the families of the victims, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.”

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the act, noting: “The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the terrorist bombing at Mar Elias Church near Damascus, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries to innocent people. The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy with the families of the victims, and with the government and people of Syria over this terrorist crime, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.”

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its position against all forms of violence and terrorism, strongly condemning any targeting of places of worship and acts that intimidate civilians. Their statement emphasized Qatar’s full solidarity with the Syrian government in its efforts to preserve security and stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed these sentiments, stating: “The Ministry reiterates the Kingdom’s firm stance rejecting the targetting of places of worship, the intimidation of innocent civilians, and the innocent bloodshed, affirming the Kingdom’s solidarity with the Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.”

In a further reaction to the tragedy, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed his shock over the attack. He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Horrified by the cowardly terrorist attack in the Mar Elias church in Damascus today, in which at least 20 innocent worshippers were murdered. My condolences to the families of the victims and to the Christian community in Syria.”

This incident, marked by significant casualties and widespread international condemnation, underscores the persistent threat of terrorism and the vulnerability of places of worship in conflict zones.