Bodies of Christian worshippers were “blown to bits” when an ISIS-linked suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest inside Mar Elias Church in Damascus, killing at least 20 people, including children, in the deadliest attack on Syria’s Christian community since the transition to a new government.
Key Takeaways
- An ISIS-affiliated terrorist killed at least 20 Christians and wounded 52 others in a suicide bombing at Mar Elias Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria
- The attacker opened fire on the congregation before detonating an explosive vest, despite attempts by church members to stop him
- Children were among the victims, with witnesses describing horrific scenes of dismembered bodies and destruction
- This marks the first successful jihadist attack on a Christian church in Syria under Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, highlighting continued threats to religious minorities
- Syria’s Christian population of over 500,000 continues to face persecution despite government promises of protection
Terror Strikes Damascus Church
The horrific attack on Mar Elias Church in the Dweila district of Damascus has sent shockwaves through Syria’s Christian community. The terrorist, identified as an ISIS affiliate, infiltrated the Orthodox church during worship services, first opening fire on congregants before detonating an explosive vest among the faithful. Syrian Interior Ministry officials confirmed the attack was carried out by an ISIL (ISIS) fighter. However, witnesses reported seeing the attacker accompanied by two others who escaped the scene, raising concerns about potential accomplices still at large.
Graphic footage from the scene revealed the devastating aftermath – blood-soaked pews, shattered windows, and body parts scattered throughout the once-peaceful sanctuary. Rescue teams continued recovering bodies hours after the attack, with preliminary reports indicating at least 20 dead and 52 wounded. The toll may rise as authorities complete their grim task of identifying victims, many of whom were unrecognizable due to the force of the explosion.
Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Horror
Survivors described chaotic scenes as the attack unfolded. “He was shooting at the church … he then went inside the church and blew himself up,” recounted a witness identified only as Rawad, who narrowly escaped the carnage. Some brave worshippers attempted to stop the attacker before he could detonate his explosive vest. Still, their efforts proved tragically insufficient against the determined terrorist who had carefully planned the assault.
“We have never held a knife in our lives. All we ever carried were our prayers,” said Issam Nasr, a church member who witnessed people being “blown to bits” in the sanctuary where they had gathered to worship peacefully.
The Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mostafa condemned the attack, stating, “This cowardly act goes against the civic values that bring us together,” yet such words provide little comfort to a community that has suffered repeated targeting for their faith in a region increasingly hostile to Christians.
Continued Threats to Syria’s Christians
This devastating attack marks the first successful jihadist assault on a Christian church in Syria since December, despite several thwarted attempts by Islamic State militants. The bombing comes at a precarious time for Syria’s estimated 500,000 Christians, who face persecution from both government forces and Islamic extremists. Open Doors ranks Syria 18th on its list of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution, highlighting the dangerous reality for religious minorities in the region.
“In the strongest possible terms, the terrorist attack at St. Elias Church,” declared United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen, joining a chorus of international condemnation that included officials from Turkey and France.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has publicly vowed to protect religious minorities since taking office in January 2025, but this attack exposes the hollow nature of such promises. Despite international reintegration and the lifting of sanctions by the US and EU, Syria’s government has failed to secure the safety of its Christian citizens, who continue to be targeted for their faith. The presence of ISIL sleeper cells throughout the country remains a pressing concern as Syria attempts to rebuild following years of devastating civil war.
International Response and Security Concerns
The attack has prompted renewed scrutiny of Syria’s security apparatus and the interim government’s ability to protect vulnerable religious communities. Photos circulating from the scene show the church’s interior destroyed, with blood-stained debris covering what were once pews filled with worshippers. The targeting of a church specifically demonstrates the continued religious motivation behind such attacks, despite claims by some that ISIS has been defeated in the region.
As Syria continues its fragile recovery from years of conflict, this bombing serves as a stark reminder that religious persecution remains an urgent reality for Christians in the Middle East. President Sharaa’s government now faces increased pressure to demonstrate meaningful protection for all religious minorities rather than empty promises that leave churches vulnerable to devastating attacks by Islamic extremists determined to eliminate Christianity from the region.
