In Syria, at least 19 people were killed and several others injured in a suicide bombing incident at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus. A suicide bomber stormed a crowded church in the Syrian capital yesterday during mass, opening fire on worshipers before detonating his explosives. It was the first suicide bombing in Damascus since the Bashar al-Assad-led government was toppled in December.

Authorities from the interior security department confirmed that the perpetrator was affiliated with the Islamic State.