Tragedy struck the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dweil'a, a Damascus suburb, on June 22, 2025, when a suicide bomber shot at people and then detonated himself during evening mass. The grisly attack resulted in mass casualties, reigniting fears within Syria's Christian minority amidst a fragile post-Assad transition.
/*Deadly Blast at Church Service*/
Interior Minister Noureddine Al‑Baba stated that the bombing killed 22 – 25 worshippers and injured some 60–63 others. State media, citing the Health Ministry, reported that 22 were killed and 63 injured . The bomber, an Islamic State member, had shot before detonating an explosive vest near the church gate.
/*IS Connection and Government Response*/
The Interior Ministry blamed the Islamic State for the bombing. While ISIS did not claim it, officials say intelligence indicates their involvement. Interim President Ahmed al‑Sharaa condemned the bombing as a "criminal act against all Syrian people" and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
/*Minority Fears in a Changing Syria*/
Christian community members were in shock and sorrow. Bassim Khoury told Reuters, "We did not stand against anyone… Why target innocent worshippers?". It was the first large-scale attack on a church in Damascus since the downfall of Assad's regime and followed earlier sectarian attacks, which increased minority fears.
/*International Outrage and Security Issues*/
The United States, European Union, and most Middle Eastern nations denounced the attack as terrorism. American envoy Tom Barrack termed it a "cowardly act" undermining Syria's tenuous peace. Questions, meanwhile, hang over the transitional government's ability to manage extremist sleeper cells as insecurity surges.
/*Vigilance and Way Forward*/
Security around churches was increased following the attack, and candlelight vigils were held across Syria in solidarity. Leaders of the church, including Father Fadi Ghattas and Bishop Moussa Khoury, urged the authorities to ensure more protection for places of worship and swift justice for the attackers. As investigations are underway, the religious community waits for tangible measures ensuring their safety.