Syria's Interior Ministry says the sleeper cell behind a deadly church explosion near Damascus belonged to the Islamic State group.

The attack on a Greek Orthodox service made clear the challenges facing Syria’s new government in a country long pitted by sectarian divides.

Christians are fearing for their future in Syria after a suicide bomber killed 25 worshippers at an evening service on Sunday. The attack happened at St Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus. Reports suggest the killer opened fire on the worshippers before setting off his suicide vest. Dozens of people were also injured in the deadly attack.