A devastating suicide attack has shaken the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dweil'a, a suburb of Damascus, Syria, claiming the lives of over 20 people and leaving many more injured. This tragic event unfolded during Sunday mass on June 22, 2025, when the church was filled with worshippers, including women and children, marking a troubling rise in violence in the Syrian capital. It's the first attack of this nature targeting a church in Damascus in several years, raising serious alarms about the resurgence of extremist activities and terrorism in the region.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction as the assailant, believed to be linked to the Islamic State (IS) group, opened fire on the congregation before detonating an explosive vest inside the church. The explosion left the building in ruins, with shattered pews, icons scattered across the floor, and blood staining the debris. Emergency responders, including the White Helmets, quickly arrived to help recover bodies and assist the injured, who were rushed to hospitals throughout Damascus.

While no group immediately took responsibility for this horrific act, the Syrian Interior Ministry quickly pointed to an extremist from the Islamic State as the perpetrator. This highlights the ongoing threat posed by remnants of the terrorist organization, even as the Syrian government strives to stabilize the country and regain international support. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with officials and religious leaders expressing their outrage at the targeting of civilians in a sacred space.

The explosion at Mar Elias Church has sent shockwaves through Syria's Christian community, a minority that has faced immense suffering during years of conflict. Authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, but the attack highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and continued efforts to counter terrorist threats to protect innocent lives and religious freedoms in Syria.