Suicide Bombing at Damascus Church Kills 22, Dozens Injured, Say Syrian Authorities
Blast during evening service at Greek Orthodox church marks deadliest attack in Damascus since regime change

A suicide bomber killed at least 22 people and injured 63 others during a Sunday evening church service in Damascus, Syrian officials have confirmed.
According to the interior ministry, the attacker entered the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in the Dweila suburb, opened fire on worshippers, and then detonated an explosive vest. Authorities say the assailant was linked to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS), although the group has not yet claimed responsibility.
Graphic images from inside the church showed extensive damage: shattered pews, a blood-stained floor, and a destroyed altar.
Witnesses described chaos and horror. “Someone entered carrying a weapon and started shooting,” said Lawrence Maamari, speaking to AFP. “People tried to stop him before he blew himself up.”
Another witness, Ziad, who was nearby at the time, said he heard gunfire followed by a powerful explosion. “Glass flew everywhere. We saw flames inside the church and wooden benches scattered all the way to the entrance,” he said.
The bombing is the first major attack of its kind in Damascus since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels last December, marking the end of Syria’s 13-year-long civil war.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch condemned the attack in a statement: “The treacherous hand of evil struck this evening, claiming the lives of our brothers and sisters during the sacred liturgy.” It said the blast occurred near the entrance to the church and killed people both inside and nearby.
The patriarchate also called on Syria’s interim government to take full responsibility for ensuring the safety of all citizens and protecting places of worship.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab labeled the bombing a “reprehensible crime” and said forensic teams had launched an investigation. “Such terrorist acts will not deter the Syrian state from pursuing civil peace,” he added.
International condemnation quickly followed. UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen urged unity among Syrians against “terrorism, extremism, and incitement.” U.S. envoy Tom Barrack denounced the attack as “an act of cowardice” and said it ran counter to efforts toward a more inclusive Syrian society.