Suicide Bombing at Syrian Church Leaves Dozens Dead and Injured

On a Sunday, a suicide bomber in Syria attacked a Greek Orthodox church filled with worshippers. The assailant opened fire before detonating an explosive vest, resulting in a devastating loss of life. State media reported at least 22 fatalities and 63 injuries.

The attack occurred in Dweil’a, on the outskirts of Damascus, within the Mar Elias Church. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported at least 19 deaths and numerous injuries, though exact figures were not provided. Some local media sources indicated that children were among the casualties.

This assault on the church was unprecedented in Syria for several years. It occurred as the government was attempting to gain support from minority groups. Concerns have been raised about the presence of extremist sleeper cells within the war-torn country.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. A Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman stated that preliminary investigations pointed towards the extremist Islamic State group. The ministry reported that a gunman entered the church, fired at the people, and then detonated an explosive vest.

Witnesses described the attacker as having his face covered. He fired at the congregation, and when people attempted to remove him, he detonated his explosives at the entrance. Security forces and first responders quickly arrived at the scene.

Syria’s Social Affairs and Labor Minister met with the clergy at the church to offer condolences. A priest reported seeing at least 20 fatalities. Another priest mentioned a second gunman who shot at the church door before the explosion. Survivors recounted the horrific scene, with one witness describing seeing people "blown to bits.