Terror Attack Targets St. Elias Church in Damascus: Dozens Dead and Injured

Damascus — June 22, 2025 In a bloody incident that shook the Syrian capital, more than 20 people were killed and at least 52 others wounded in a terrorist bombing that struck the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Elias in the Al-Dweilaa district, as worshippers gathered in prayer.

Details of the Attack

According to an official statement from the Syrian Ministry of Interior, the attack was carried out by a member of the terrorist group ISIS. The assailant entered the church during prayer services, opened fire on civilians, and then detonated an explosive device inside the building.

“This cowardly terrorist act targeted innocent people in a sacred place, in an attempt to spread fear and sow discord among the components of Syrian society,” the ministry said. It confirmed that a specialized investigative team has been formed to uncover the full circumstances of the attack and identify the perpetrators and those supporting them.

Casualties

A later update from the Syrian Ministry of Health reported that the death toll had risen to 20, including women and children. An additional 52 people were injured, several of whom remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment in Damascus hospitals.

Official Reactions

• Minister of Interior, Mr. Anas Khattab, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized that “these crimes will not shake the resolve of the Syrian people or the state’s efforts to maintain civil peace.”

• Governor of Damascus, Mr. Maher Marwan, condemned the terrorist bombing and affirmed that security forces are fully engaged in investigating the incident. The governor extended condolences to the victims' families and urged public cooperation with the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

• Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Mr. Raed Al Saleh, described the attack as a cowardly terrorist act targeting civilians while performing their prayers. He confirmed that Syrian Civil Defense emergency teams are responding at the scene.

• President Ahmad Al-Sharaa declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of the victims.
  

A Message of Unity

In a notable show of solidarity, various religious and political figures affirmed that “the attack on St. Elias Church is an attack on all Syrians, Christians and Muslims alike.” They stressed the importance of national unity in the face of terrorism.

Syrian Minister of Culture, Mohammad Yassin Saleh, stated:

“There is no room for hatred among us. We remain one people, united against terror and strife. The only beneficiary of this crime is whoever stands against Syria’s peace and stability.” Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Ms. Hind Qabawat, has visited St. Elias Church in the aftermath of the bombing to pay her respects and offer her condolences to the community and the family and loved ones of those affected.

ISIS and the Targeting of Places of Worship

ISIS, which has previously claimed similar attacks in Iraq and Syria, has long employed the tactic of targeting places of worship and religious gatherings in an effort to inflame sectarian tensions within diverse societies. This latest atrocity underscores the group’s continued ability to carry out high-profile attacks despite the significant erosion of its territorial presence.

The terrorist attack on St. Elias Church in Damascus is a heinous crime aimed squarely at undermining Syrian unity at a time when the nation is in desperate need of solidarity and calm. As investigations continue, the pressing challenge remains: how to protect houses of worship and safeguard civilians from a resurgence of extremist violence.