Suicide Bomber Attack on Damascus Church Leaves Dozens Dead, Wounded
Damascus, Syria – A Suicide bomber attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus during a prayer meeting, resulting in mass casualties. Syrian Christians are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital following the horrific event.
Details of the Damascus Church Attack
State media outlets reported that at least 22 people were killed and 63 others sustained injuries in the terror attack that occurred at the Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a,located on the outskirts of Damascus.
The Syrian Interior Ministry indicated that the attacker had affiliations with the Islamic State, commonly known as ISIS. However, as of now, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the deadly church suicide bombing.
Eyewitness accounts detail the sequence of events. Witnesses reported that approximately 350 people were inside the Mar Elias Church for a prayer meeting when a man entered the sanctuary wielding a weapon and began firing. As the crowd attempted to subdue the attacker, he detonated an explosive belt.
Images and videos from inside the church depict the gruesome aftermath, with blood splattered across the floors, splintered pews, and shattered glass scattered throughout the sanctuary near Damascus.
Eyewitness Testimony
Lawrence Maamari, an eyewitness, recounted to AFP news agency that “Someone entered (the church) from outside carrying a weapon” and started shooting indiscriminately. He added that people “tried to stop him before he blew himself up.”
Another witness, who was standing outside the church during the attack, reported hearing gunfire followed by a powerful explosion. According to the witness, ” We saw fire in the church and the remains of wooden benches thrown all the way to the entrance.”
Speaking anonymously to Reuters, a security source confirmed that two men were involved in the assault. issam Nasr, who was present at the church for prayer, described to AP seeing people “blown to bits.” He somberly stated, “We have never held a knife in our lives. All we ever carried were our prayers.”
International Condemnation and Calls for Protection
The Greek Foreign ministry issued a strong condemnation of the attack and urged the Syrian government to enhance protections for it’s citizens. “We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria,” The Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry further stated, “We demand that the Syrian transitional authorities take immediate action to hold those involved accountable and implement measures to guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups, allowing them to live without fear.”
Government Response and Concerns About ISIS
Since assuming office in January, syria’s Interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has repeatedly pledged to safeguard religious and ethnic minorities. According to Syrian leaders, ISIS aims to destabilize the region during this critical transitional phase.
Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa denounced the attack, characterizing it as a terrorist act. “This fearful act goes against the civic values that brings us together,” he posted on X. “We will not back down from our commitment to equal citizenship … and we also affirm the state’s pledge to exert all its efforts to combat criminal organizations and to protect society from all attacks threatening its safety.”
This recent attack on the church marks the first of its kind in Syria in several years. However, concerns persist regarding the presence of extremist group sleeper cells, particularly given the decline of ISIS’s once extensive control.
The Threat of ISIS Resurgence
According to the BBC, the terrorist group’s territory once spanned 34,000 square miles from western Syria to eastern Iraq and imposed its brutal rule on approximately eight million people.
A February report by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism cautioned that the group might exploit the transition in Syria to escalate its terrorist activities and reinvigorate its recruitment efforts for foreign fighters. “There is a risk that stockpiles of advanced weapons coudl fall into the hands of terrorists,” warned Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov, head of the counter-terrorism office.
The Plight of Christians in War-Torn Syria
The Recent attack on Christians in Syria underscores the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in conflict zones. Syria, a country steeped in ancient Christian history, has seen its Christian population dwindle due to years of civil war and the rise of extremist groups.
Before war, Christians constituted roughly 10% of Syria’s population. Many have fled, seeking refuge from violence and persecution. Those who remain often live in fear, their communities vulnerable to attacks and discrimination. The Mar Elias Church suicide bombing highlights the urgent need for increased protection and security for these vulnerable groups.
In February 2024, the U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom: Syria, detailed numerous challenges faced by religious minorities. The report underscores the need for continued international attention and support to ensure religious freedom and security for all Syrians.
Impact of Conflict on Religious Demographics
the Syrian civil war has had a devastating impact on the country’s demographics, particularly affecting religious minority groups.Here’s a fast overview:
| Religious Group | Pre-War Percentage | Current Estimated Percentage | Major Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 10% | 3-5% | Targeted attacks, displacement, emigration |
| Sunni Muslims | 74% | 65-70% | Internal displacement, conflict-related violence |
| Alawite Muslims | 12% | 15-18% | Allegiance to the government, targeted by opposition groups |
| Druze | 3% | 3% | Relative safety in controlled areas, economic hardships |
Note: Percentages are approximate and based on available estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Syria Church Attack
- What Happened at The Mar Elias Church In Damascus?
- who Is Believed To be Behind The Church Suicide Bombing?
- What Was The Immediate Response To The Terrorist Attack?
- What Has The Syrian Government Said About Protecting Religious Minorities After the Suicide Bombing?
- Why Is ISIS Suspected Of The Suicide Bombing On The Syrian Church?
A Suicide bomber attacked the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox church during a prayer meeting, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
Syrian Officials suspect the Islamic State (ISIS) is behind the attack, although no group has officially claimed responsibility. UN warned in february about terrorist attack.
The Greek foreign Ministry condemned the suicide bombing on the Damascus church and urged Syrian authorities to protect christian communities.
Syria’s Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to protect religious and ethnic minorities, while Syrian Information Minister hamza mostafa condemned the attack and affirmed commitment to equal citizenship.
ISIS has a history of targeting Christians and other religious minorities in Syria. Moreover, a UN Report warned of ISIS resurgence in February 2025.
What measures do you think are most effective in protecting religious minorities in conflict zones? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
