A suicide bomber attacked the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dweil’a, Syria, on Sunday, resulting in a tragic loss of life. At least 22 people were killed and 63 others wounded in the horrific incident, according to Syrian state media. The attack, which occurred during a church service, involved the bomber opening fire before detonating an explosive vest. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported a similar death toll, though their numbers were slightly lower. Some reports indicate that children were among the victims.
This marks the first attack of its kind in Syria in years. The incident comes at a sensitive time, as the Damascus government, under its de facto Islamist rule, is attempting to garner the support of minority groups. The presence of extremist sleeper cells in the war-torn nation remains a significant concern.
While no group immediately claimed responsibility, Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba stated in a press conference that the preliminary investigation points to the Islamic State group. The ministry’s account of the attack aligns with witness testimonies describing a gunman opening fire before detonating the explosive vest. The scene was described as chaotic, with panicked survivors and a church interior strewn with debris and blood. One witness, Issam Nasr, recounted seeing people “blown to bits.” Father Fadi Ghattas, who estimated 350 people were present during the attack, reported seeing at least 20 fatalities. Another priest, Meletius Shahati, suggested the possibility of a second gunman.
Syrian officials have strongly condemned the attack. Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa denounced it as a terrorist act on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating such violence. Minister Hind Kabawat offered condolences to the church community. The attack has sparked widespread outrage and underscores the ongoing instability and security challenges facing Syria. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of religious communities and civilians in conflict zones.
