UAE condemns attack on church in Damascus

The UAE on Sunday condemned the bombing at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, which killed nearly two dozen people.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said stressed the UAE’s permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.

The UAE also expressed its sincere condolences to the government of Syria over the "terrorist crime" and wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.

At least 22 people were killed and 63 others were injured when an attacker opened fire at the church during a Sunday evening service, and detonated an explosive attached to himself when worshipers attempted to tackle him, according to a witness.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the incident, but the Syrian interior ministry blamed it on terror group IS. 

It was the first such attack in the capital since Bashar al-Assad's regime was overthrown in December.