A suicide bomber affiliated with the terrorist organization ISIS attacked Saint Elias Church on Sunday in the Dweila neighborhood, on the eastern outskirts of the Syrian capital, Damascus.
According to the Syrian Ministry of Interior, the attacker entered the church, opened fire on worshippers, and then detonated himself using an explosive vest. The assault took place while several people were gathered inside the church.
Initial reports indicate at least 20 people were killed and 53 injured. The explosion caused significant material damage and triggered panic in the area. Ambulances and rescue teams quickly responded to the scene, while security forces sealed off the surroundings.
Syrian authorities described the incident as a targeted terrorist attack against the local Christian community. No group had officially claimed responsibility by the end of the day.
The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions and has reignited fears of renewed sectarian violence in the Damascus area.
Un attentat a frappé ce dimanche l’église #SaintÉlie, située dans le quartier de #Dweila, en périphérie est de la capitale syrienne #Damas. pic.twitter.com/XfbFLgPnWj
— Ici Beyrouth (@Icibeyrouthnews) June 22, 2025
“Heinous Terrorist Attack”
France on Sunday evening strongly condemned the “heinous terrorist attack” that targeted a church in Damascus, Syria, killing at least 13 people, according to a statement from the spokesperson of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement also reaffirmed France’s commitment to “a transition in Syria that allows all Syrians, regardless of their faith, to live in peace and security in a free, united, diverse, prosperous, stable, and sovereign Syria,” said spokesperson Christophe Lemoine.
The United Nations special envoy for Syria voiced outrage at the deadly attack on a church in Damascus, calling for a full investigation and action by the authorities.
Geir Pedersen "condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack at St. Elias Church" and "expresses his outrage at this heinous crime," said a statement from his office.
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