Damascus Church Attack: 22 Christians Killed
- A suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest inside a Greek Orthodox church in Dweil'a, near damascus, Syria, killing at least 22 people and wounding 63, state media reported.
- The Syrian Interior Ministry said the attacker was believed to be affiliated with the islamic State, also known as ISIS.
- The scene inside the church was described as horrific, with blood splattered on the floors, splintered pews, and broken glass.
A devastating suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Syria has claimed at least 22 lives, sending shockwaves through the community. The attack, which occurred during a prayer service near Damascus, has been linked to ISIS by the Syrian Interior Ministry, making it crucial to highlight the primary_keyword tragedy and the growing threat of religious violence in the region. witnesses reported horrific scenes of carnage, while the Greek Foreign ministry swiftly condemned the act of terror. The incident, the first of its kind in years, has heightened concerns about rising ISIS sleeper cells and their potential to exploit the secondary_keyword transitional period in Syria. For more in-depth coverage, turn to News Directory 3 for real-time updates on the examination and its implications. Discover what’s next as authorities work to secure the area and prevent future attacks.
Suicide Bombing at Syria Church Kills Dozens; ISIS Suspected
Updated June 23, 2025
A suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest inside a Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a, near damascus, Syria, killing at least 22 people and wounding 63, state media reported. The attack occurred during a prayer meeting at Mar Elias Church.
The Syrian Interior Ministry said the attacker was believed to be affiliated with the islamic State, also known as ISIS. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Approximately 350 people were inside the church when the bomber entered and began shooting before detonating the explosive belt as the crowd rushed him.
The scene inside the church was described as horrific, with blood splattered on the floors, splintered pews, and broken glass.
Lawrence Maamari, a witness, told AFP that the attacker “entered (the church) from outside carrying a weapon” and started shooting.He added that people ”tried to stop him before he blew himself up.” Another witness outside the church reported hearing gunfire followed by an explosion, saying, “We saw fire in the church and the remains of wooden benches thrown all the way to the entrance.”
A security source,speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity,indicated that two men were involved in the attack. Issam Nasr,who was praying at the church,told the AP he saw people “blown to bits.” He added, “We have never held a knife in our lives. All we ever carried were our prayers.”
The Greek Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and called on the Syrian government to increase protections for its citizens. “We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria,” the ministry said in a statement. They demanded immediate action to hold those involved accountable and ensure the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to protect religious and ethnic minorities. Details Minister hamza Mostafa called the attack a terrorist act, stating, “This cowardly act goes against the civic values that brings us together.”
this attack marks the first of its kind in Syria in years, raising concerns about ISIS sleeper cells. The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism warned in February that ISIS might exploit the transitional period in Syria to escalate attacks and recruit foreign fighters.
Syria’s christian community and other religious minorities have been repeatedly targeted by ISIS.
What’s next
Authorities are investigating the attack and stepping up security measures in the region. The focus remains on preventing further destabilization by ISIS during Syria’s transitional phase.