Deadly Church bombing in Damascus kills 22, dozens injured

New Delhi, Jun 23: At least 22 people were killed and more than 60 wounded in a suicide bombing at a church on the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Syria in recent years. The explosion occurred during mass inside the Mar Elias Church in the Dweil’a district, as worshippers gathered for prayer. According to the Syrian Interior Ministry, a suspected ISIL (ISIS) militant entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated an explosives-laden vest. The attack has not yet been claimed by any group, but officials and witness reports point to ISIL’s involvement. State news agency SANA confirmed that 63 people were injured, with reports indicating that children were among the victims.

Rescue efforts were ongoing with Syria Civil Defence teams continuing to recover bodies from the rubble. The death toll remains provisional and could rise, authorities warned.

The bombing comes at a delicate moment for Syria’s interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed office after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The new administration is struggling to establish control over the fragmented country and reassure minority communities amid lingering instability.

The attack is the church in Syria in years bring fears of a resurgence by extremist groups exploiting security gaps. While much of Syria has seen relative calm since the end of the civil war, the threat from ISIL sleeper cells persists, especially in the south and east of the country. Just weeks earlier, on May 30, ISIL claimed responsibility for an ambush on Syrian army forces, its first public attack against the new government. The resurgence of violence poses a serious challenge for al-Sharaa’s administration, which has been seeking to restore Syria’s global standing. Since Assad’s removal, the United States and European Union have eased sanctions, and diplomatic ties with several Arab states have been restored. However, Sunday's church attack is a stark reminder that peace remains fragile.