In the aftermath of a brutal suicide bombing that targeted a Christian congregation in Damascus, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has vowed unwavering pursuit of those behind the assault.
The attack, which occurred on June 22 at Saint Elias Church in the Dwelaa district, resulted in the tragic deaths of 25 civilians and injuries to at least 63 others, according to Syria’s Ministry of Health.
Authorities attributed the bombing to an Islamic State (IS)-linked cell. While IS has yet to officially claim responsibility, government sources said the assailant had ties to the militant group.
Suspects Arrested, Weapons Seized
The Interior Ministry reported that several individuals connected to the attack were captured during a major security operation near Damascus. Authorities also seized explosive devices and a booby-trapped motorcycle believed to be part of the planned attacks.
President Sharaa, addressing the nation hours later, promised swift justice:
“Our specialized security agencies are fully mobilized to identify, track down, and bring to justice all those who orchestrated or assisted in this atrocious crime.”
A Nation in Mourning
This tragic event marks the first suicide bombing inside a Syrian church since the onset of the country’s civil war in 2011. It also represents the first such attack in the capital since the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
Shops remained shuttered in Dwelaa on Sunday as residents posted funeral announcements on neighborhood walls. The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, visited the devastated church and comforted grieving parishioners.
“What happened is heartbreaking,” the patriarch said, “but do not fear—we will remain united in faith.”
A funeral mass is scheduled for June 24 to honor the victims.
International Reactions and Condemnation
The bombing has drawn widespread condemnation from across the globe.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the attack and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting Syria’s efforts against terrorism:
“We will not allow extremists to push Syria back into violence. Our support for peace and stability remains unwavering.”
French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the assault “horrific,” while the European Union expressed its solidarity with Syrians. EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni emphasized the importance of sustained action:
“This is a painful reminder of the need to decisively defeat Daesh and other extremist threats.”
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also responded with fury, urging Syrian authorities to take active measures to safeguard ethnic and religious minorities, particularly after such a direct attack on the Greek Orthodox community.
Calls for Unity and Protection of Minorities
Syria’s Grand Mufti, Osama al-Rifai, condemned the bombing and stressed the sanctity of places of worship:
“Violence has no religion. We utterly reject the targeting of houses of prayer and the spreading of fear among the faithful.”
United Nations humanitarian coordinator Adam Abdelmoula echoed similar sentiments, calling on Syrian authorities to ensure the protection of civilians and prevent further sectarian strife.
The Shrinking Christian Population in Syria
Syria’s Christian population has dwindled from over a million before the civil war to fewer than 300,000 today, driven by displacement, violence, and emigration.
Though the Islamic State was territorially defeated in Syria in 2019, remnants of the group remain active, particularly in remote desert areas where they continue to launch attacks.
The tragic church bombing highlights the fragile security landscape in Syria and the urgent need for national and international collaboration to safeguard peace and minority rights.
Final Thoughts
As Syria confronts the pain of yet another terror attack, the resolve of its leaders and citizens will be tested. The unity of its diverse population, coupled with international cooperation, will be vital in resisting the resurgence of extremist violence and ensuring justice for the victims of this horrific tragedy.