Suicide Bomber Attacks Church in Syria, Killing at Least 20

A devastating suicide bombing at a church in Damascus on Sunday claimed the lives of at least 20 people, according to Syrian authorities. The Interior Ministry attributed the attack to a member of the Islamic State (IS) group.

This marks the first church attack in the capital since Syria's civil war began in 2011—and the first major bombing there since Islamist-led forces overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. The assault drew swift international condemnation.

Security remains a major concern for Syria’s new leadership, with global powers repeatedly urging them to safeguard the rights and lives of the country’s minority populations.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry said a suicide bomber affiliated with the IS group entered the Saint Elias Church in the Dwelaa district of Damascus. The attacker reportedly opened fire inside the church before detonating an explosive belt.

AFP reporters at the scene witnessed emergency responders evacuating the wounded. The church interior was strewn with splintered pews, broken icons, and pools of blood. Security forces quickly sealed off the area.

According to the Health Ministry—via the state-run news agency SANA—20 people were confirmed dead and 52 injured, raising an earlier death toll issued by civil defence officials.

Eyewitness Lawrence Maamari recounted the horror to AFP: “Someone came in from outside with a gun and started shooting. People tried to stop him, and then he blew himself up.”

‘A Heinous Crime’

Geir Pedersen, the UN’s special envoy for Syria, condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous crime” and urging a full investigation and swift action by Syrian authorities.

US Special Envoy Tom Barrack expressed solidarity, saying Washington supported Syria in its fight “against those sowing instability and fear across the country and the region.”

Jordan echoed that support, backing the Syrian government’s anti-terrorism efforts and its pursuit of national security.

France’s Foreign Ministry called the bombing “abject” and reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful transition in Syria—one that ensures all Syrians, regardless of religion, can live in peace, security, and unity.

Syria’s own Foreign Ministry called the bombing “a desperate attempt to undermine national unity and destabilise the country.”

A nearby shopkeeper, 40-year-old Ziad, described hearing gunfire followed by a powerful blast. “Glass flew in our direction. We saw flames and wooden benches from the church thrown toward the entrance,” he said.

The church, filled with worshippers—including children and the elderly—was plunged into chaos. One eyewitness, speaking anonymously, said panic gripped the congregation as the attack unfolded. Several people remain unaccounted for, with desperate families searching for their missing loved ones.

During Syria’s 14-year civil war, religious minorities were frequently targeted by jihadist groups like IS. Assad had often portrayed himself as a protector of these communities. In the aftermath of regime change, the international community has continued to press Syria’s new leaders to prioritize minority protections and include them in the country’s transitional political process, especially following recent sectarian tensions in various regions.

Investigation Underway

Interior Minister Anas Khattab extended condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that specialized teams have launched an investigation into the “reprehensible crime.”

“These terrorist acts will not deter the Syrian state’s pursuit of civil peace,” Khattab said in an official statement.

In an interview earlier this month, Khattab acknowledged Syria’s persistent security challenges, stating that IS had shifted tactics toward “carefully planned attacks on strategic targets.” He said recent plots targeting Christian and Shiite communities had been foiled by authorities.

Just last month, IS claimed responsibility for its first assault against Syria’s new government forces. Around the same time, Syrian authorities announced the arrest of IS cell members near Damascus, accusing them of preparing further attacks. Another anti-IS operation in Aleppo resulted in the deaths of one Syrian security officer and three IS militants.

IS once held large parts of Syria and Iraq, establishing a so-called “caliphate” in 2014. Though US-backed Kurdish forces dismantled its territorial grip in 2019, remnants of the group continue to operate—particularly in Syria’s v ast and sparsely populated desert regions.

Punch

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