Suicide Bombing in Mar Elias Church Kills 25 Worshippers Near Damascus/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A suicide bomber entered the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dweil’a, fired on congregants during Sunday’s Divine Liturgy, and detonated an explosive vest, killing at least 25 and injuring 63 others. Security officials blame ISIS and warn of sleeper cells amid Assad’s efforts to secure minority backing. The attack, the first of its kind in years, has drawn condemnation from Middle Eastern governments and human rights monitors.
Quick Look
- What happened? Gunman attacked congregants, then set off a bomb, during a church service near Damascus.
- Casualties: 25 killed, 63 wounded (SANA, Health Ministry); Syrian Observatory confirms at least 19 dead.
- Response: Syrian authorities suspect ISIS; international leaders denounce the atrocity as terrorism.
Deep Look
Attack Details
Witnesses report a masked attacker entered Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a during Divine Liturgy, opened fire on worshippers, and detonated an explosive vest at the entrance as parishioners tried to subdue him. One priest noted up to 350 people were present; the explosion occurred amid a chaotic surge as congregants attempted to stop the attacker. A second gunman may have shot at the door before the detonation .
Casualty Report
State media SANA, citing the Health Ministry, places the death toll at 25 with 63 injured. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights independently confirmed at least 19 fatalities and dozens wounded. Some reports indicate children were among the victims .
Suspected Extremist Motives
Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine Al-Baba appeared to attribute the attack to ISIS sleeper networks, citing a preliminary investigation. He highlighted that places of worship are considered “red lines” and accused ISIS and remnants of the Assad regime of attempting to destabilize Syria .
Government Reaction
Information Minister Hamza Mostafa condemned the incident as a “terrorist act” on social media, vowing to bolster efforts to protect religious communities. Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs, Hind Kabawat, visited the church to offer condolences, while clergy described the devastation with vivid, emotional testimony .
Context in Syria
This marks the first church bombing in Syria in years, amid Ahmed al-Sharaa’s campaign to reassure minority groups living under the country’s de facto Islamist regime. The attack stokes fears over extremist sleeper cells and threatens fragile communal trust .
Reactions Abroad
Global condemnation poured in from the U.S., EU, and several Middle Eastern nations, denouncing the violence and calling for stronger protection of religious minorities. No group has openly claimed responsibility, but authorities point to extremist motives .
Ground Impact & Ongoing Concern
Security forces and rescuers rushed to the church amid screams and panic, with images showing bloodstained pews and debris. Authorities are now increasing protection around worship sites as tensions heighten and investigations into extremist networks are underway .
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