Suicide bomber targets Christians in Syria
A suicide bomber killed three Christians during a commemoration event in Qamishli, Syria on Sunday, June 19.
The attack happened at a gathering to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the Ottoman army's massacre of tens of thousands of Christians, which became known as the Sayfo massacre.
Authorities said the suicide bomber, dressed as a priest, attempted to enter the hall but was stopped outside by security.
"The suicide attacker tried to enter the hall where people were gathered but was stopped by local security forces, and he detonated himself among them," security personnel said told AFP.
Authorities said the suicide bomber was likely aiming for Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Syriac Orthodox Church patriarch, who was leading the commemoration ceremony. Security personnel said the attacker "detonated himself near our checkpoint after he couldn't reach his real target, Patriarch Ignatius," Al Arabiya reported.
The blast, which happened at an area that is home to many Assyrians, left three dead and five wounded. Those who were killed belonged to the Christian militia called Sotoro, but they have not yet been identified.
Those who were wounded were identified as Riad Habsuno, Siwar Hassan, Fayez Farman, Gawriye Ado and Marios Malke, the Assyrian International News Agency reported.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing.
The city of Qamishli, particularly its northeastern region, has seen many targeted attacks against Assyrians, and most of these attacks have been claimed by ISIS. The suicide bombing on Sunday is the fourth attack in the past six months.
In December 2015, three bombs exploded targeting businesses and leaving 16 people dead. In January this year, two bombs exploded in the city, one in Star Café and another in Joseph Bakery. The Star Café explosion killed three people and injured 20. And in May, ISIS attacked the district of al-Wusta, killing five people and injuring at least a dozen.
