Islamic State Bomber Targets Church on New Year's Eve, Official Says

A suicide bomber killed a Syrian security officer in Aleppo on New Year's Eve. A government spokesman stated the attacker had likely links to the Islamic State group. The spokesman said the bomber was possibly targeting a Christian church in central Aleppo. The attack happened during New Year's celebrations. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, has carried out many attacks in Syria. The group has targeted religious minorities and government forces in the past. Syrian state media confirmed the death of the officer. It reported that security forces stopped the attacker from reaching the crowded church area.