In brief
In a grim reminder of Syria's ongoing sectarian strife, a recent suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus left at least 20 dead and multiple injured, signaling the precarious position of the newly established administration.
On June 22, 2025, a suicide bomber struck during a service at Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Damascus, wounding over 50 others. The assailant, believed to have connections with the Islamic State, opened fire before detonating his explosive vest. This marks the first suicide bombing in the capital since the recent ousting of long-time president Bashar al-Assad by a rebel coalition. Despite promises of restoring order and supporting minority communities, the new Syrian leadership faces escalating sectarian tensions. Authorities have reported numerous thwarted attack plots by remnants of ISIS, especially targeting Christian facilities. Eyewitness accounts depict a chaotic scene, with local residents and emergency services scrambling to assist victims, while the state media released images showing devastation within the church's interior.
