In a horrific act of terrorism, a suicide bomber targeted a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, Syria. The attack at Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood marks the first major terrorist incident in Syria’s capital in years, raising concerns about the resurgence of extremist groups in the region. Why did Syrian authorities blame ISIS for the bombing?
Deadly Attack on Christian Worshippers
A suicide bomber attacked the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus on Sunday, killing at least 19 people and wounding 53 others, according to the Syrian Health Ministry. The attacker opened fire on people praying inside the church before detonating an explosive vest, causing maximum casualties among the congregation gathered for worship.
Syrian authorities have explicitly blamed ISIS for the bombing, identifying the perpetrator as an Islamic State extremist in an official statement from the Interior Ministry. While no group has immediately claimed responsibility, the attack bears the hallmarks of ISIS operations that have targeted religious minorities across the Middle East.
The blood of the martyrs of Mar Elias church is on the hands of all the Western/NATO and Gulf regimes and intelligence services that bled Syria for a decade and half to bring Al-Qaida/ISIS sectarian thugs and killers to power all for the sake of “Israel” https://t.co/b6CFWMhSom
— Ali Abunimah (@AliAbunimah) June 22, 2025
Fears of ISIS Resurgence
This bombing represents the first major terrorist attack in Damascus in years, raising alarm about potential sleeper cells of extremist groups in the Syrian capital. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the death toll at 19, though some reports from other sources have indicated as many as 22 fatalities in what appears to be a carefully planned assault on the Christian community.
Syrian Minister of Information Hamzah Almustafa condemned the attack as a “cowardly act” and emphasized the importance of national unity in the face of terrorism. His statements reflect the government’s concern that such attacks could reignite sectarian tensions in a country still recovering from years of devastating civil war.
An Islamic suicide bomber killed 22 Christians in a deadly attack in Syria.
Please pray for this church and the family and friends of the victims. Our hearts are breaking for them. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mH5lmJREAw
— Christian Tweets (@JesusSavesUs777) June 23, 2025
Security Concerns Intensify
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the suicide bomber accompanied by two accomplices who fled the scene, suggesting a more complex operation than initially believed. The presence of multiple attackers and their ability to escape has raised serious questions about security measures in Damascus and the potential for additional attacks.
The bombing comes at a time when Syria has been attempting to project an image of stability and recovery after more than a decade of conflict. This terrorist incident undermines these efforts and demonstrates that despite territorial defeats, ISIS and similar extremist groups retain the capability to conduct deadly operations in areas previously considered secure.