Damascus Church Bombing: Casualties & Updates
- A suicide bomber detonated explosives inside the Mar Elias Church in Dweil'a, outside Damascus, Syria, on Sunday, killing at least 15 peopel and wounding dozens, according to the...
- The Syrian Interior Ministry reported that an ISIL (ISIS) fighter entered the church and opened fire before detonating an explosives vest.
- The state-run SANA news agency, citing the Health Ministry, reported at least 50 people were wounded.
A devastating act of violence: A suicide bomber struck teh Mar Elias Church near Damascus, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 15 lives and leaving dozens wounded in the recent Syria church attack. ISIS has claimed obligation for the brutal suicide bombing, fueling concerns about the fragile stability of the region under the current administration. Witnesses reported chaos as the attacker opened fire before detonating explosives within the church.Syrian officials, along with international bodies, have condemned the act. This attack marks a significant escalation of violence. The repercussions extend beyond the immediate casualties,potentially impacting Syria’s international relations. Understand the details and developments with up-to-the-minute reporting from News Directory 3. Discover what’s next …
suicide Bomber Kills 15 in Syria church Attack
Updated June 22, 2025
A suicide bomber detonated explosives inside the Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a, outside Damascus, Syria, on Sunday, killing at least 15 peopel and wounding dozens, according to the Syria Civil Defence and security officials. The suicide bombing occurred as people gathered for prayer.
The Syrian Interior Ministry reported that an ISIL (ISIS) fighter entered the church and opened fire before detonating an explosives vest. The ministry’s account echoed witness reports. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The state-run SANA news agency, citing the Health Ministry, reported at least 50 people were wounded. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the number of dead and wounded at 30, without providing a breakdown.
Rawad, a witness, told The Associated Press he saw the attacker, accompanied by two others who fled, firing at the church before entering and detonating the explosives.
Syrian Details Minister Hamza al-Mostafa condemned the Syria church attack as a terrorist act. “This fearful act goes against the civic values that bring us together,” al-Mostafa said on X, formerly Twitter. He affirmed the government’s commitment to fighting criminal organizations and protecting society.
France’s foreign ministry also condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the Syrian people.
What’s next
The attack, the first of its kind in Syria in years, comes as President Ahmed al-Sharaa‘s interim government attempts to consolidate power and gain the support of minority groups. Concerns remain about ISIS sleeper cells as Syria recovers from years of civil war.The ISIS attack could undermine recent progress in Syria’s international relations,including the lifting of some sanctions by the U.S. and the European Union.