UN, regional governments condemn Damascus church bombing
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Arab and international leaders condemn the deadly bombing at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, urging the protection of civilians and sacred sites in Syria.
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Blood stains a religious painting inside Mar Elias Church, where a suicide bomber detonated himself in al-Dwela, on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, on Sunday, June 22, 2025 (AP)
Widespread Arab and international condemnation followed the suicide bombing that targeted the Mar Elias Church in the al-Dweila neighborhood of eastern Damascus on Sunday evening. The attack left several civilians dead and wounded and has been described as a heinous assault on civilians and places of worship.
UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, denounced the attack and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law, calling for the protection of civilians and sacred sites.
The Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East for the Greek Orthodox Church also condemned the bombing, which occurred as the church marked the Feast of All Antiochian Saints. In a statement, the Patriarchate mourned what it described as an act of betrayal that "struck down innocent worshippers during an evening mass."
Regional solidarity and condemnations
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the bombing as a “despicable criminal act,” expressing Lebanon’s full solidarity with Syria and its readiness to cooperate in the fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed his confidence in the Syrian state’s ability to resist attempts to destabilize the country.
Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a strong condemnation. Spokesman Ambassador Sufian Qudah stated that Amman stands in full solidarity with Syria, reiterating Jordan’s categorical rejection of all forms of terrorism and violence. He also expressed support for Syria’s efforts to preserve its unity and territorial integrity.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs likewise condemned the attack in the strongest terms. In a statement, Baghdad reiterated its firm rejection of violence targeting civilians and places of worship, warning that such attacks risk inflaming sectarian tensions among regional communities.
Hezbollah issued a statement Sunday in which it described the attack as a “heinous crime” that once again reflects the brutality of extremist takfiri ideology. The movement emphasized that such acts have no connection to any divine religion and represent “a satanic creation backed by the American-Zionist axis,” activated whenever there is a need to sow discord and fragment regional nations.
ISIS claims responsibility
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.
