A New Year’s Eve attack on a church in Syria has been prevented, but one soldier was killed in the attack which has been linked to Islamic State.

Security forces attempted to stop a man acting suspiciously near a church in Aleppo, according to persecution watchdog Open Doors. 

The man started shooting and detonated a bomb belt when confronted, killing himself and the soldier near Farhat Square. Two other people were wounded.

No churches were meeting in Aleppo at the time.

Interior Ministry officials suggested that Islamic State were planning “suicide operations and attacks targeting New Year’s celebrations in a number of governorates, particularly the city of Aleppo, by targeting churches and civilian gathering spots.”

Intelligence had prompted enhanced security around places of worship.

The funeral of the killed soldier was attended by local church leaders.

A statement from Open Doors said: “This latest incident has underlined the fear felt by many Christians in Syria.

“Please keep them, and the country, in your prayers.”

Groups with links to Islamic State continue to operate in Syria, although the terror group does not control parts of the country as it has done in the past.