Multiple Suicide Bombers Target Churches in Syria, Death Toll Rises
A coordinated attack by multiple suicide bombers on churches in Syria has resulted in at least 22 deaths and numerous injuries, raising concerns over security.
Overview
- A coordinated attack by multiple suicide bombers targeted churches in Syria during services, resulting in at least 22 deaths and 63 injuries.
- The attack occurred at the Greek Orthodox Mar Elias Church in Damascus, with conflicting reports on the exact number of casualties.
- Eyewitnesses indicated that at least two attackers were involved, linked to the Islamic State (IS) group, marking a significant escalation in violence.
- This incident is the first major operation by ISIS in Syria since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, raising fears of a resurgence of extremism.
- The UN Special Envoy for Syria condemned the attacks, urging global unity against terrorism, as security forces remain on high alert for potential sleeper cells.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the incident as a tragic act of violence targeting a religious gathering, emphasizing the human toll and chaos. They express concern over the lack of immediate responsibility claims and highlight the involvement of local media and witnesses, reflecting a focus on the event's impact rather than political implications.
Security forces and first responders quickly arrived at the church.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 19 people killed and dozens wounded in an incident, without providing precise figures.
Witnesses reported that the gunman entered the church with his face covered and began shooting at the people inside.
An extremist from the Islamic State group entered a church in Syria, fired at people, and detonated himself with an explosives vest, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry.
A deadly attack occurred at the Mar Elias Church in Dweil'a on the outskirts of Damascus, resulting in at least 22 deaths and 63 injuries, as reported by state media SANA.
Articles (15)
Center (4)
"…The attack on the church was the first of its kind in Syria in years, and comes as Damascus under its de facto Islamist rule is trying to win the support of minorities."
NBC News·21d·"…At least 20 people have been killed and 52 others wounded in a suicide bombing at a church on the outskirts of Damascus."
BBC News·22d·"…The explosion in Dweil'a in the outskirts of Damascus took place as people were praying inside the Mar Elias Church."
CBS News·22d·"…The attack on the church was the first of its kind in Syria in years, and comes as Damascus under its de facto Islamist rule is trying to win the support of minorities."
Associated Press·22d·FAQ
The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church, and Syrian authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the attacker was affiliated with IS.
At least two attackers were involved: one suicide bomber who opened fire and detonated an explosive vest inside the church, and another gunman who shot at the church door before the bombing. One attacker also threw a grenade into the church.
This attack was the first major suicide bombing by Islamic State in Damascus since the fall of the Assad regime in 2024 and represents a significant escalation of violence, raising fears of an ISIS resurgence in Syria.
Damascus saw a heavy security presence after the attack, with intensified security around churches including St. Elias and St. Joseph, road closures, and security deployments in Christian-populated areas such as Bab Sharqi and al-Suryan.
The attack resulted in at least 22 deaths and around 63 injuries, including children among the casualties according to multiple sources.
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