Overview

• At least 20 people were killed and 52 injured when a suicide bomber affiliated with the Islamic State opened fire and detonated an explosive belt inside the Saint-Elie church on June 22.
• Syrian security forces cordoned off the Dwelaa district of Damascus and identified the attacker as an ISIS operative.
• The bombing marked the first suicide attack on a Damascus church since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024.
• Authorities announced the arrest of six suspects and the deaths of two others during raids that yielded explosive belts, mines, and a rigged motorcycle.
• President Ahmad al-Chareh and international bodies including the UN and France condemned the assault and called for enhanced protections for minority faith communities.