A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a, on the outskirts of Syria’s capital, left at least 22 people dead and dozens more injured on Sunday. Worshippers had gathered for mass when a gunman, believed to be an ISIL (ISIS) operative, opened fire before detonating an explosives-laden vest, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry.
In a statement posted on its official Telegram channel, the ministry said the assailant “entered St. Elias Church in Duwaila, fired on worshippers, then blew himself up.” Footage from the scene showed shattered pews, a destroyed altar, broken glass, and walls smeared with blood.
The ministry confirmed that several civilians were killed or wounded, and security forces quickly cordoned off the area as investigators began collecting evidence. The attack is the first of its kind in years, deepening concerns about lingering ISIS cells at a time when Syria’s interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is working to stabilize the war-ravaged country.
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates advised foreign diplomats to coordinate with authorities before visiting the site for safety reasons as the investigation continues.
The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, condemned the attack as a “heinous crime,” calling on all parties to unite against terrorism and expressing condolences to victims’ families. EU Chargé d’Affaires in Syria Michael Unmacht also denounced the bombing, stressing that “targeting Syria’s Christian community is an attack on all Syrians,” and reaffirmed support for freedom of religion.
Syria’s Information Minister, Dr. Hamza Al-Mustafa, labeled the attack “cowardly,” calling for national unity and peaceful coexistence. “We must all strengthen the bonds of brotherhood across all communities,” he said.
