In Damascus, a church explosion results in the fatalities of twenty individuals.
In a chilling reminder of the ongoing threat of extremism, a suicide bombing occurred at Saint Elias (Mar Elias) Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus's Dweila neighborhood on June 22, 2025. The assailant, a member of the Islamic State (IS), entered the church during the Divine Liturgy, opened fire on worshippers, and detonated an explosive belt.
This heinous act claimed at least 25 lives, making it the deadliest attack in Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Over 50 additional individuals received varying degrees of injuries.
Initially, the Syrian Interior Ministry identified the perpetrator as a foreigner who infiltrated Damascus with another suicide bomber from al-Hol camp, a camp housing displaced people and relatives of ISIS members. However, a lesser-known jihadist group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in response to a perceived provocation. Syrian officials argue that Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah is not an independent entity and is affiliated with ISIS.
The bombing has been widely condemned domestically and internationally, with calls for the protection of religious minorities and communities in Syria. Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa strongly condemned the attack, vowing that the state would continue efforts to combat criminal organizations threatening society's safety.
This event highlights the tense and insecure atmosphere for Christian communities in Damascus, which have expressed increasing concern about their safety and security. The bombing comes after a period of rising sectarian tension, with Christians in Damascus facing incidents such as calls for conversion from Muslim sheikhs in some neighborhoods.
In conclusion, the Damascus church bombing on June 22, 2025 is a tragic reminder of the ongoing threat of extremism in the post-Assad era, with Islamic State still lurking in the shadows, killing innocent civilians and deepening concerns about minority safety and security.
Osama Ali is an accomplished English content writer and newswriter with a strong command of language and a flair for storytelling. His expertise lies in delivering accurate and well-researched news pieces, ensuring that information is presented clearly and concisely.
Sources:[1] Al Jazeera[2] CNN[3] BBC[4] The Telegraph[5] Reuters
- The Damascus church bombing, a chilling reminder of the persistent threat of extremism, marks the deadliest attack in the city since the downfall of the Assad regime.
- The terrorist act at Saint Elias Greek Orthodox Church on June 22, 2025, resulted in at least 25 lives lost and over 50 injuries, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by religious minorities, particularly the Christian community.
- propaganda from the Syrian Interior Ministry and a lesser-known jihadist group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, indicates the complexity of the conflict's motivations and players, further complicating efforts to address the issue of extremism in Syria.
- Domestically and internationally, there have been calls for increased protection and support for religious minorities, including Christian communities, who continue to express concerns about their safety and security in Damascus.
- Reports on the bombing also raise questions about the continued influence of Islamic State and the extent of criminal organizations threatening the stability of social structures in Syria, as evidenced by the increasing incidents of sectarian tension.
