On July 24, 2022, terrorist groups launched a rocket attack on the Hagia Sophia church in the city of al-Sqalbiya in Syria, where a festive opening ceremony was taking place. Two people became victims of the attack, there is information about 12 victims.

The event was attended by invited guests and members of the Diplomatic Corps in Syria, including employees of the Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in Syria - Political Advisor of the Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in the SAR Muhammad Ali and Assistant to the Ambassador of Abkhazia in the SAR Kuteiba Hassan. None of the employees of the RA Embassy was injured.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia expresses sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured during the terrorist attack. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia strongly condemns the act of terrorism committed against civilians. Terrorism in any of its manifestations must be suppressed by the most severe methods.

We express the hope that those in charge of the terrorist attack against the civilian population will receive the severe punishment they deserve. We appeal to the international community to pay attention to the ongoing events and take the necessary measures to prevent actions aimed at supporting and financing terrorism.