Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Channel 14, citing a senior Israeli political source, reported: The attacks in Syria and Tel Aviv's offensive policy are coordinated with the Americans
Lebanese Ministry of Health's Emergency Operations Center: Six injured as a result of Israeli airstrikes on the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon
Israeli media: The Israeli Air Force has launched a wave of large-scale attacks on southern Syria
UNRWA: One in 10 children in Gaza suffers from malnutrition
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: 865 killed near aid centers in Gaza in the past six weeks
SANA: The Syrian army has begun withdrawing heavy machinery from Sweida in preparation for handing over the city's neighborhoods to the Internal Security Forces
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Gaza: Our colleague Akram Daloul is no longer in critical condition and is being treated
Syrian Defense Minister: We announce a complete ceasefire following an agreement reached with city notables and dignitaries in Sweida
Al Mayadeen Statement: The Israeli occupation targets Al Mayadeen with open hostility and particular vindictiveness
Local Syrian sources: Civilians fleeing the city of Sweida towards the eastern countryside due to ongoing clashes

ISIS claims responsibility for Damascus Church bombing

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 22 Jun 2025 22:03
  • 1 Shares
3 Min Read

Sectarian attacks, particularly against Christians and Alawites, have surged in recent months.

Listen
  • x
  • SANA publishes initial photos of the aftermath of the suicide attack that targeted Mar Elias Church in the Douweila area of ​​Damascus. (SANA)
    SANA publishes initial photos of the aftermath of the suicide attack that targeted Mar Elias Church in the Douweila area of ​​Damascus. (SANA)

ISIS on Sunday claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that targeted the Mar Elias Church in the Duweila district of Damascus, killing at least 20 worshippers during Sunday mass. The group's statement, shared via affiliated media channels, said the attacker detonated an explosive vest inside the church while congregants were gathered in prayer.

According to eyewitnesses cited by RIA Novosti, the bombing was a deliberate attack on civilians: "A terrorist detonated an explosive device at a church in Dweila during a service. Some people were killed." Syrian state media confirmed the attack, with Syria TV reporting that the explosion occurred inside the church during the liturgy.

Photos published by SANA in the hours following the attack reveal a scene of devastation, scorched walls, shattered pews, and bloodied floors. Emergency services cordoned off the area as security forces launched an investigation into how the assailant managed to penetrate the church's defenses.

Terrorist attack targets St. Elias Church in the Duwaila area of ​​Damascushttps://t.co/wsn7cKqEnL via @SanaAjel pic.twitter.com/WVlPyO2Xl9

— SANAEnglishOfficial (@SANAEnOfficial) June 22, 2025

Related News

Syrian Interior Ministry imposes curfew in Sweida amid security op.

Nearly 100 killed in Sweida: Syrian MOD

The bombing comes amid heightened instability in Syria, where a fragile transitional government led by interim President Ahmed al‑Sharaa faces growing scrutiny. Although al‑Sharaa has condemned the attack and ordered an inquiry, his past leadership of Hay'at Tahrir al‑Sham (HTS), a group previously aligned with al-Qaeda, has deepened concerns about his government's commitment to protecting minority communities.

Sectarian attacks, particularly against Christians and Alawites, have surged in recent months. In March, over 1,300 civilians were killed in coordinated assaults linked to factions loosely aligned with the transitional administration. International observers have criticized the government's response as opaque and inadequate.

Read more: Islamic State eyes resurgence in Syria, Iraq, exploiting divisions

Adding to the controversy, reports have emerged of backchannel talks between al‑Sharaa's administration and Israeli officials, discussions reportedly facilitated by Gulf intermediaries and backed by US mediation. While framed as efforts to ensure regional stability, these developments have sparked backlash from both within Syria and among its traditional allies.

Meanwhile, Western governments have begun easing sanctions against Damascus. The US suspended enforcement of the Caesar Act for six months, and the EU followed suit, citing humanitarian needs. Critics argue the move could inadvertently legitimize a leadership still struggling to sever ties with extremist networks and protect its own population. 

  • Syria
  • ISIS
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Suicide Bombing

Most Read

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

  • Politics
  • 8 Jul 2025
Yemen Navy sinks ETERNITY C ship, shares footage of operation

Yemen Navy sinks ETERNITY C ship, shares footage of operation

  • Politics
  • 9 Jul 2025
This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage after an Iranian attack at the al Udeid Airbase outside of Doha, Qatar, June 25, 2025 (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

Satellite images show Iran attack damaged US comms dome in Qatari base

  • Politics
  • 11 Jul 2025
An Israeli soldier abandons an excavator during an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades. Arabic text reads "The moment the soldier fled", July, 10, 2025 (Al Qassam Military Media)

Israeli media rue al-Qassam footage, alarmed by fighters among troops

  • Politics
  • 11 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Al Mayadeen: UN Palestine Inquiry members reportedly resigned
Politics

Exclusive: UN Palestine Inquiry members reportedly resigned

Rutte, Trump
US & Canada

Trump threatens 100% secondary tariffs on Russia, sets deadline

Syrian government soldiers on a motorcycle pass by a burning tank on the outskirts of Sweida city, where clashes erupted between the Druze community and Bedouine clans, in southern Syria, Monday, July 14, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Israeli airstrikes target Syrian military factions near Sweida

Lebanon, US, disarmament
MENA

US pressure on Lebanon grows over Resistance disarmament plan

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS