Tragic Church Bombing in Damascus: Over 20 Lives Lost and Dozens Injured – What You Need to Know

A suicide bomber attacked Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a, on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, during Sunday mass. The explosion killed at least 20 people and injured over 50 others, as reported by Syria’s Ministry of Health.

Witnesses say the assailant, believed to be connected to ISIL (ISIS), opened fire before detonating an explosive vest inside the packed church. This tragic incident marks a significant escalation in violence in Syria, a country still reeling from years of civil war.

Authorities suggest this attack could be a sign that sleeper cells of extremist groups are still active in Syria. President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s interim government, which came into power in January 2025, has been making strides to stabilize the country and regain international support. The U.S. and EU recently lifted some sanctions that had been in place during Bashar al-Assad’s presidency, reflecting a shift in the international community’s approach to Syria.

This bombing has sparked outrage. Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mostafa condemned the act as cowardly and vowed to protect the public from such threats. Geir O. Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, also expressed his horror, calling for thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice.

Social media reactions have been swift, with many calling for unity among the diverse communities in Syria. Some fear that this attack could reignite tensions between religious groups, particularly since local media have indicated that children may have been among the victims.

Before this incident, Syria had not seen an attack like this in years, which adds to the shock among the population. As the country continues to navigate a precarious path to recovery, it’s crucial to remain aware of such threats to prevent future violence.

In a country marked by devastation and loss, this latest tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges Syria faces as it seeks stability and peace.



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News, Armed Groups, Middle East, Syria