Suicide bombing in Damascus church leaves at least 22 dead
A devastating explosion rocked the MarElias Greek Orthodox Church, located in the BabTuma neighborhood of Damascus’s Old Town, during Sunday Mass. According to the Syrian Interior Ministry and medical sources, a suicide bomber opened fire on worshippers before detonating an explosive vest inside the church, killing at least 22 people and injuring around 60.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the death toll, stating that children were among the dead. Images released by news agencies show smashed pews, a ruined altar, and bloodstains on the floor.
The Syrian government blamed the Islamic State (IS) group for the attack, although the organization has not yet claimed responsibility. Days later, the small Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah faction claimed responsibility, identifying the attacker as Muhammad Zain al-Abidin, alias Abu Uthman.
Following the attack, authorities arrested several suspects linked to ISIS in operations near Damascus, seizing explosives and a motorcycle rigged with a bomb. The Ministry announced that it is continuing its investigation and promised to “bring to justice” all those responsible.
The explosion marks the first suicide attack in Damascus since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. It has raised deep concerns about the safety and security of religious minorities in the country, especially among Christians, who fear a possible resurgence of extremism.
The international community and human rights organizations condemned the attack. The US ambassador to Syria and UN envoy Geir Pedersen called for “unity against terrorism” and urged increased security at places of worship.
In the wake of the incident, controls on churches were strengthened, and the public was urged to cooperate with authorities to prevent future tragedies. The church served today as a gathering place for prayers, candles, and flowers in memory of the victims, in a symbolic act of resistance and solidarity in the face of this act of violence.