Damascus, Syria — A suicide bombing at a church in the heart of Damascus has left 22 dead and 63 others injured, according to state media reports. This tragic attack, which took place on a Sunday evening, marks the most significant operation by the Islamic State (IS) since the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad. It is also the first suicide bombing in the country since the recent change in government to an Islamist-led authority.
The assault occurred at the Greek Orthodox Saint Elias Church in the historic Christian quarter. Officials from the Syrian interior ministry reported that an individual linked to IS entered the church during prayers, opened fire on congregants, and detonated an explosive device while still inside the building. Witnesses have described additional gunfire from a second assailant, who reportedly did not kill himself but fired at worshippers gathered for the service.
Fadi Ghattas, a congregant, recounted the harrowing scene, stating, “People were praying safely under the eyes of God.” He noted that approximately 350 worshippers were present when the attack began. Eyewitness videos revealed the horrifying aftermath, with shattered pews and bodies strewn across the church floor.
Local residents reported hearing a powerful explosion followed by the arrival of security personnel, who swiftly established a perimeter around the area as civil defense teams rushed to assist victims. Issam Nasr, another worshipper at the church, expressed disbelief at the brutality. “We have never held a knife in our lives,” he stated, lamenting the violence that struck a place of worship.
This bombing comes on the heels of several months of minimal activity from IS, as the group has sought to exploit the security gaps that emerged following Assad’s departure. Reports suggest IS has taken advantage of abandoned military equipment and weapons left behind by retreating regime forces to resupply its operations.
In response to the attack, the Syrian government, now led by leaders formerly associated with the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has conducted numerous raids against IS throughout the country. Previously, HTS had been engaged in combat against IS to counteract its influence in areas it controlled, viewing the group as a destabilizing force within Syria.
Since the regime’s change, IS has attempted to capitalize on the perceived moderate stance of the new government to recruit disaffected fighters. IS propaganda has highlighted meetings involving Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and international leaders, portraying these as betrayals of the jihadist cause.
Government officials have assured the safety of religious minorities and emphasized their commitment to national unity. Security measures in the city’s Christian quarter have been tightened, with personnel stationed at entry points to conduct inspections.
Hamza al-Mustafa, the Syrian minister of information, condemned the bombing as an attack on the values shared by all Syrians. He underscored the necessity for solidarity amid diversity, stating, “This cowardly act contradicts the values of citizenship that unite us all.”
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bombing, the Syrian foreign ministry characterized the incident as a “desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence.” Additionally, the UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed outrage over the attack and called for a thorough investigation.
Despite its claim of control over much of Syria, the government struggles to assert authority across the entire country, where various militias vie for power. The Syrian defense ministry is currently working on integrating resistance groups into a cohesive national army while disarming those who refuse to comply.
On the ground, the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been pivotal in combating IS since the group’s territorial losses. Efforts to enhance cooperation between the SDF and the new Syrian administration against IS are ongoing, although they remain in the early stages. Rising fears regarding IS’s resurgence in Syria continue to draw attention from the international community.