How a Suicide Bomber Killed 22 Worshippers in Syria’s First Church Attack Since Assad’s Fall

At least 22 people were killed and over 60 others injured on Sunday after a suicide bomber attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus — marking the first successful assault on a Christian worship site in Syria since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December.

According to security officials, the attacker — believed to be a member of the Islamic State (IS) — opened fire on the congregation before detonating an explosive vest inside the church, which was filled with an estimated 350 worshippers at the time. Witnesses say the bomber’s face was covered as he began shooting, triggering panic among congregants. He blew himself up as worshippers attempted to overpower him.

A security source told Reuters that two men may have been involved in the assault, with a local priest claiming he saw a second gunman standing guard at the church entrance. The attack left at least 63 people wounded, including several children.

Syria’s Information Minister, Hamza Mostafa, condemned the act on social media platform X, calling it a “cowardly act” that “goes against the civic values that bring us together.” He vowed that the government would “exert all efforts to combat criminal organisations.”

Footage released by Syria’s Civil Defence, the White Helmets, showed harrowing scenes from inside the church — bloodstained floors, broken pews, and shattered religious icons. The Greek foreign ministry swiftly issued a statement, “unequivocally condemning” what it described as an “abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing,” and called on the Syrian authorities to guarantee the safety of Christian communities with urgent protective measures.

While Islamic State has reportedly attempted several attacks on churches since Assad’s ouster, this marks the first time they have succeeded. The attack underscores the fragile security situation in post-Assad Syria and the continued threat posed by jihadist groups despite the regime change.

The Greek Orthodox community, one of the country’s oldest Christian groups, has called for calm and urged the international community to help safeguard religious minorities in the region.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities attempt to identify the second suspected assailant and determine the extent of IS involvement in what could signal a new phase of insurgent activity in the war-torn nation.