ISIS Suicide Bomber Attacks Damascus Church, Dozens Feared Dead

(LibertySociety.com) – ISIS Suicide Bomber Slaughters 27 Christians in Damascus Church, Marking Deadliest Attack on Syria’s Christian Community in a Decade.

Key Takeaways

• A suicide bomber attacked the Greek Orthodox Mar Elias Church in Damascus on June 22, 2025, killing at least 27 people including children.
• The Islamic State (ISIS) has been identified as responsible by Syria’s Interior Ministry, demonstrating the terrorist group’s continued threat despite territorial losses.
• The attacker opened fire on worshippers before detonating an explosive vest, causing extensive damage during evening prayers.
• This marks the deadliest attack on Syria’s Christian minority in over a decade, highlighting the vulnerability of religious minorities.
• The death toll continued to rise from initial reports of 19-20 to 27 as more victims succumbed to their injuries.

Brutal Attack Targets Christian Worshippers

A masked ISIS terrorist unleashed horror on Damascus’ Christian community when he stormed the Greek Orthodox Mar Elias Church during evening prayers on June 22, 2025. The attacker methodically opened fire on the congregation before detonating an explosive vest, transforming a peaceful worship service into a scene of carnage and devastation. The blast shattered wooden pews, destroyed religious artifacts, and caused significant structural damage to the historic church in the Dweila district of Damascus, leaving behind a horrific scene of bloodshed.

The bombing represents a disturbing escalation in sectarian violence and exposes critical vulnerabilities in Syria’s security apparatus following the fall of the Assad regime. Despite claims by the current Islamist-led government that they had neutralized terrorist threats, this attack proves that ISIS sleeper cells remain active and capable of executing sophisticated, coordinated attacks against soft targets. The deliberate targeting of a Christian church during worship hours demonstrates ISIS’s continued commitment to sectarian violence and religious persecution.

Death Toll Continues to Rise

Initial reports on the day of the attack indicated approximately 19-20 casualties, but the death toll has steadily climbed as more victims succumb to their injuries. Syria’s Health Ministry has confirmed at least 25 deaths and 63 wounded, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports 27 fatalities and three unidentified body parts recovered from the scene. The discrepancy in numbers reflects the chaotic aftermath of the bombing and the severity of injuries sustained by many survivors.

Syria’s Health Ministry has confirmed at least 25 deaths and 63 wounded, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports 27 fatalities and three unidentified body parts recovered from the scene. The discrepancy in numbers reflects the chaotic aftermath of the bombing and the severity of injuries sustained by many survivors.

Among the dead are several children who had been attending the service with their families, adding another layer of tragedy to an already horrific attack. Hospitals in Damascus have been overwhelmed with casualties, many suffering from blast injuries, shrapnel wounds, and gunshot trauma. Medical personnel report that several victims remain in critical condition, suggesting the death toll may continue to rise in the coming days. This attack stands as the deadliest assault on Syria’s Christian community in over a decade.

ISIS Responsibility Confirmed

Syria’s Interior Ministry has officially attributed the attack to an Islamic State sleeper cell, marking the first major ISIS operation in Damascus since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. While no group has formally claimed responsibility for the bombing, the tactics, target selection, and execution bear the hallmarks of ISIS operations. Security experts note that the attack demonstrates sophisticated planning and local knowledge, suggesting the terrorist group maintains an operational presence in the Syrian capital despite years of military defeats.

“Syria’s Interior Ministry blamed the attack on ISIS. The suicide bombing occurred at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus during evening prayers on Saturday,” reported Democracy Now, confirming the government’s attribution of responsibility to the Islamic State group.

This bombing shatters the illusion of security that had begun to take hold in Damascus and raises serious questions about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts by Syria’s current leadership. The ability of ISIS to strike at the heart of the capital city suggests intelligence failures and security gaps that must be addressed. Christian leaders across Syria have expressed fear that this attack could signal the beginning of a new campaign targeting religious minorities, reminiscent of ISIS’s brutal persecution of Christians in territories they once controlled.

Government Response and International Reaction

President Ahmad al-Sharaa condemned the bombing as a “heinous crime” and vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice. Security forces have launched raids across Damascus, reportedly detaining dozens of suspected ISIS sympathizers in an effort to dismantle the network responsible for the attack. However, these actions come too late for the victims of the Mar Elias Church bombing, raising questions about the government’s preventative security measures and intelligence capabilities.

Governments across the Middle East have issued statements condemning the attack, with particular emphasis on its targeting of religious minorities. However, concrete international support for protecting Syria’s vulnerable Christian community remains limited. A candlelight vigil held at the damaged church drew thousands of mourners from across Damascus, reflecting the deep communal trauma inflicted by this act of terrorism. Christian leaders have called for increased security at places of worship throughout Syria.

This devastating attack highlights the ongoing vulnerability of religious minorities in the Middle East and the persistent threat posed by Islamic extremism despite territorial defeats. As investigations continue, the Syrian Christian community mourns its dead while facing an uncertain future in a country where their safety cannot be guaranteed. The resurgence of ISIS activity in Damascus serves as a stark reminder that ideological extremism remains a potent force even when terrorist organizations appear to be in decline.

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