A devastating suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Syria has claimed at least 20 lives and left more than 50 people injured, including several children. The attack took place on Sunday, June 22, at Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a, a suburb of Damascus.
Syrian officials have condemned the act, which they are calling a terrorist attack. This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many calling for justice and protection of minority groups in Syria.
The Attack
According to Syrian state media, the bombing occurred during a busy Sunday mass when the attacker entered the church with his face covered and began shooting at the people inside. Witnesses reported that churchgoers attempted to overpower the gunman, but before they could stop him, he detonated his explosive vest near the church’s entrance.
The Syrian Ministry of Health confirmed the deaths of at least 20 people, with 53 others wounded in the attack. Local media outlets further reported that children were among the victims.
Government Response
Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa condemned the attack as an act of terrorism. On social media, he called the bombing a “cowardly act” that goes against the civic values that unite the country.
Mostafa reaffirmed the Syrian government’s commitment to equal citizenship and vowed to continue its efforts to combat criminal organizations and protect the safety of the society.
Although no group initially claimed responsibility for the bombing, the Syrian Interior Ministry has stated that the suicide bomber was affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). A security source also mentioned the possibility of a second man being involved in the attack.
International Condemnation
The Greek government also issued a strong condemnation of the bombing. In a statement, the Greek Foreign Ministry expressed outrage at the attack and demanded that the Syrian transitional authorities take immediate action to hold the perpetrators accountable.
The ministry emphasized the need for protective measures to ensure the safety of Christian communities and all religious groups in Syria.
Eyewitness Accounts
Several witnesses, including Father Fadi Ghattas, who was present during the attack, spoke to the media about the horror of the situation. Ghattas described seeing at least 20 people killed while others were desperately trying to stop the gunman.
“People were praying safely under the eyes of God,” he said. One bystander, Issam Nasr, who was also at the church during the bombing, recalled seeing victims “blown to bits.” He shared his disbelief, saying that the churchgoers were peaceful people who had never resorted to violence.
Emergency Response
Following the bombing, emergency teams from the Syrian Civil Defense, widely known as the White Helmets, arrived at the scene to assist the wounded.
Photographs from the aftermath show emergency personnel helping injured victims into ambulances, working quickly to save as many lives as possible in the midst of the chaos.
The attack on Mar Elias Church is a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by religious and minority communities in conflict-ridden areas like Syria. With the country still recovering from years of war and political instability, the bombing has deepened concerns over the safety of all citizens, particularly minority groups.
As investigations continue, the call for accountability grows, with both local and international leaders demanding justice for the victims and greater security for religious communities in the region.
