A devastating suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus on June 22, 2025, has left at least 22 people dead and 63 others injured. The attack, attributed to an individual linked to the Islamic State (IS), occurred during an evening service at the Church of the Prophet Elias in the Dweila neighborhood.
The assailant reportedly opened fire before detonating an explosive vest at the church’s entrance, where congregants had gathered for worship. Eyewitnesses described the chaos that ensued, with one churchgoer, Lawrence Maamari, recounting the moment of terror as gunfire erupted, followed by the deadly explosion.
The aftermath revealed a scene of destruction: shattered pews, blood-stained floors, and a scorched altar. Another local resident, Ziad, described the explosion as “massive,” noting that it sent debris flying and ignited fires within the building.
This attack marks the first significant act of terrorism in Damascus since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led factions in December, signaling renewed fears of sectarian violence in the region. Although IS has not officially claimed responsibility, Syrian authorities have identified the bomber as a known operative.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch condemned the attack, calling it a “treacherous hand of evil” that targeted worshippers. They urged authorities to ensure the safety of all religious communities in Syria.
Syria’s Interior Minister, Anas Khattab, stated that counterterrorism investigators are looking into the incident and promised justice. He emphasized that such terrorist acts would not deter the government from pursuing civil peace.
International figures, including the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, and US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, condemned the bombing, urging a united front against terrorism and extremism.
Despite being territorially defeated since 2019, IS remains a potent threat, with estimates of 1,500 to 3,000 fighters active in Syria and Iraq. The attack has reignited concerns about sectarian strife in the fragile post-war landscape of Syria, as the interim government grapples with maintaining stability amidst ongoing violence.
