LAST UPDATED 22:30
At least 20 people were killed and 52 wounded in the suicide attack at the Church of Prophet Elias in the Duweila neighborhood of Damascus according to a latest toll, Syrian security services sources announced.
Syria’s Interior Ministry announced that the suicide bomber was a member of the Islamic State organization.
He entered the church, opened fire and then detonated the explosive belt, the Syrian Interior Ministry’s statement clarified.
A security services source stated that two men participated in the attack, including the suicide bomber.
The French government strongly condemned the attack on the church in Damascus in a Foreign Ministry statement and reiterates its commitment to a transition in Syria that “will allow Syrians of any faith to live in peace and security in a free, united, multicultural, prosperous, stable and sovereign Syria.”
Greek Foreign Ministry statement on the Greek Orthodox Church attack
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the suicide attack at the Damascus church.
As it states, “We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing attack at the Greek Orthodox church of Mar Elias in Damascus, Syria.
Religious sites must never be targets of terrorism. Everyone has the right to practice their faith in complete peace and security.
We call upon Syria’s transitional authorities to take immediate action to bring those responsible to justice and to implement measures that will guarantee the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups, allowing them to live without fear.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
Foreign Minister Gerapetritis will inform his EU partners tomorrow at the Foreign Affairs Council.”
Photos: Patriarchate of Antioch
BREAKING: A suicide attack took place at the St. Elias church in Dwel’a, on the eastern outskirts of Damascus.pic.twitter.com/Pen5sp25cc
— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 22, 2025
There are concerns that HTS security forces may be interfering with the crime scene.
They encircled St. Elias Church shortly after the attack.
We urgently need international investigators on the ground — with the support of Greece and Cyprus — to ensure transparency and justice. pic.twitter.com/H1lN7Y8sZO— Greco-Levantines World Wide (@GrecoLevantines) June 22, 2025
There are concerns that HTS security forces may be interfering with the crime scene.
They encircled St. Elias Church shortly after the attack.
We urgently need international investigators on the ground — with the support of Greece and Cyprus — to ensure transparency and justice. pic.twitter.com/H1lN7Y8sZO— Greco-Levantines World Wide (@GrecoLevantines) June 22, 2025
