Damascus, Syria - A suicide bomber detonated explosives during a packed Sunday service at a Damascus church, killing at least 22 people and injuring dozens more in one of the deadliest attacks targeting Syria’s Christian community in recent years.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior confirmed that the assailant, linked to the Islamic State (IS), stormed into Saint Elias Orthodox Church in the Dwelaa district, opened fire on congregants, and then triggered his explosive belt. The bombing, which occurred during a morning service attended by families and children, has sent shockwaves across the war-weary nation.

First responders rushed to the blood-soaked scene as security forces cordoned off the area. Inside the church, pews were shattered, religious icons lay broken, and chaos reigned as survivors searched frantically for loved ones.

The death toll, confirmed by the state-run SANA news agency, stands at 22, with over 60 others wounded. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and heroism, including efforts by worshippers to subdue the gunman before the explosion.

“We tried to stop him, but he detonated,” said Lawrence Maamari, who was inside the church at the time. Nearby resident Ziad Helou recalled hearing gunfire followed by a blast, describing wooden benches flung across the building and fire erupting inside.

First Attack on a Church Since War Began

This is the first known suicide bombing inside a church in Syria since the conflict began in 2011, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. While other Christian sites have been damaged or caught in crossfire over the years, this marks the most direct and deadly assault on a place of worship.

The Orthodox Patriarchate in Damascus condemned the attack and called on authorities to take greater responsibility in safeguarding religious sanctuaries and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

Syria’s Christian population, once numbering around one million before the civil war, has dwindled to under 300,000, primarily due to emigration and displacement.

International Outrage

Condemnation poured in from across the globe. UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen denounced the attack as a “heinous crime” and urged a transparent investigation. U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack reaffirmed America’s support for Syria in its struggle against “forces that promote instability and fear.”

Turkey, a key regional ally of Syria’s new leadership, expressed confidence in the nation’s resilience, while France emphasized the need for a peaceful, inclusive transition that protects all religious groups. Egypt’s Al-Azhar, one of the most influential institutions in Sunni Islam, also issued a strong rebuke, calling the bombing a “flagrant violation of the right to worship.”

Ongoing Threats and Investigations

Syria’s Interior Minister, Anas Khattab, announced the launch of a full-scale investigation into the bombing. He linked the attack to IS’s recent shift in strategy, targeting symbolic and strategic sites to stoke sectarian tensions.

“These cowardly acts will not derail our efforts toward civil peace,” Khattab said.

The Islamic State, though territorially defeated in 2019, continues to operate underground cells across Syria and Iraq. Just last month, authorities arrested an IS-affiliated group near Damascus believed to be planning further attacks, including against minority communities.

The Syrian foreign ministry described Sunday’s bombing as “a calculated attempt to fracture national unity and destabilize the country’s social fabric.”

As Syrians mourn yet another tragedy, many are left wondering how many more such incidents will be needed before long-promised protections for minorities become a reality.


By WafricNews Desk.