ISIS Suicide Bombing Kills 22 at Damascus Church in One of Syria’s Deadliest Attacks This Year
A suicide bomber affiliated with ISIS attacked Saint Elias Church in Douaila, Damascus, killing 22 and injuring over 60 in a brutal act condemned across Syrian society.
Watan-The death toll from the “terrorist” attack that targeted a church in the Douaila neighborhood of the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Sunday has risen to 22 dead and 63 injured, according to Syria’s Health Ministry.
Speaking to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the Ministry confirmed that the suicide attack at Saint Elias Church resulted in a tragic loss of life, with emergency responders and ambulances seen rushing victims from the scene, while security forces cordoned off the area.
Inside the church, wooden benches were scattered, and bloodstains marked the floor. The Syrian Civil Defense described it as a “bloody massacre”, initially reporting at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries. Their emergency teams worked to evacuate the victims and secure the site.
According to the Ministry of Interior, an ISIS-affiliated suicide bomber entered the church, opened fire on worshippers, and then detonated an explosive vest. The explosion left the attacker’s body charred and unidentifiable due to the blast’s intensity.
ISIS-linked accounts on Telegram and Facebook claimed responsibility, calling the bombing an act of revenge “for the women of Al-Hol prison and Muslims in infidel lands,” and threatened more attacks on churches and Shiite shrines.
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A survivor reported that the gunman began shooting at the congregation before blowing himself up inside the church.
The Greek Catholic Archdiocese released a condolence statement expressing sorrow to all Syrians and especially to the Christian community. It denounced the attack as an inhuman and immoral act, calling it “a crime that has no connection to religion, humanity, or ethics.”
Syria’s Minister of Information, Hamza Mustafa, condemned the bombing via his official X (Twitter) account, offering condolences to the victims’ families and calling the attack “a cowardly act that opposes the values of Syrian unity and coexistence.” He emphasized the importance of national unity and social harmony across the country.
