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5d ago

Damascus Church Bombing Death Toll Reaches 27 as Government Pledges Accountability

Syria’s new leadership has launched an investigation into the Islamic State-linked attack at Mar Elias Church, intensifying concerns over the safety of religious minorities.

The attacker opened fire on worshippers before detonating an explosive vest. | Image: AP
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People inspect the damage at the site of a suspected suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus
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Overview

  • A suicide bomber entered Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in the Dweila district on June 22, opened fire on about 350 worshippers and then detonated an explosive vest.
  • Syrian health authorities and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights report at least 27 people killed and more than 63 injured in one of the deadliest attacks on Christians since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
  • Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba cited initial evidence of an Islamic State sleeper cell and noted the possible involvement of a second gunman, prompting a formal investigation.
  • President Ahmad al-Sharaa vowed to hold those responsible to account and reaffirmed his commitment to equal citizenship and the protection of all religious communities.
  • The attack has underscored persistent security gaps in post-conflict Syria and heightened fears among minority groups about extremist threats under the new government.