Christians were slaughtered in a bloodbath at an Orthodox church in Syria when an ISIS terrorist opened fire on worshippers before detonating an explosive vest, killing at least 20 people including children and wounding 52 others in a devastating attack that highlights the ongoing persecution of Christians in the Middle East.
Key Takeaways
- An ISIS-affiliated terrorist attacked Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, killing at least 20 Christians and wounding 52 others
- The attacker fired indiscriminately on worshippers before detonating an explosive vest as church members tried to stop him
- Children were reportedly among the victims in what is the first successful jihadist attack on a Christian church in Syria since December
- Syria’s 500,000 Christians continue to face severe persecution despite Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s promises to protect religious minorities
- The attack occurs as Syria attempts to reintegrate internationally, raising concerns about ISIS sleeper cells remaining active in the region
Brutal Attack on Christian Worshippers
The horrific attack took place at Mar Elias Church in the Dweila district on the outskirts of Damascus. According to eyewitness accounts, the terrorist entered the church armed with firearms and began shooting at the congregation indiscriminately. When brave church members attempted to intervene, the attacker detonated an explosive vest, causing catastrophic casualties and extensive damage to the historic place of worship. Syrian authorities have confirmed the attacker’s affiliation with the Islamic State (ISIS), which continues to threaten minority religious communities despite repeated claims of the group’s defeat.
Graphic footage from the scene revealed the devastating aftermath of the attack. Blood-soaked pews, shattered windows, and structural damage throughout the church building showed the power of the explosion. Rescue teams have been working to recover bodies, with authorities warning that the death toll may rise as they continue their operations. This targeted violence against Christians represents a significant escalation in religious persecution in a country already ravaged by years of civil conflict and political instability.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Massacre
Those who survived the attack described scenes of absolute horror as the terrorist carried out his deadly mission. “Someone entered carrying a weapon,” reported a witness who managed to escape the carnage. Others described how church members “tried to stop him before he blew himself up,” showing remarkable courage in the face of imminent danger. The bravery of these Christians who attempted to protect their fellow worshippers stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of the terrorist who targeted innocent civilians in a sacred space.
“We have never held a knife in our lives. All we ever carried were our prayers,” said Issam Nasr, who described people being “blown to bits” during the attack.
Another witness, identified only as Rawad, provided additional details about the attack sequence: “He was shooting at the church … he then went inside the church and blew himself up.”
International Condemnation and Syria’s Troubled Religious Freedom
The attack has drawn swift condemnation from international organizations and government officials. United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen denounced “in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack at St. Elias Church.” Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mostafa called the bombing a “cowardly act” that “goes against the civic values that bring us together.”
This attack occurs at a particularly sensitive time for Syria, which has been attempting to reintegrate into the international community. Under Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took office in January 2025, the country has seen some sanctions lifted by the US and European Union. Al-Sharaa has repeatedly promised to protect religious minorities, but this latest atrocity demonstrates the significant security challenges that remain. Syria ranks 18th on Open Doors’ list of countries where Christians face the most persecution, with believers caught between government oppression and the constant threat of extremist violence.
The bombing highlights the precarious position of Syria’s estimated 500,000 Christians, who continue to face targeted violence despite efforts to stabilize the country. Security experts have expressed concerns about ISIS sleeper cells that remain active throughout Syria, capable of carrying out devastating attacks against vulnerable communities. This marks the first successful attack of this magnitude on a Christian church in Syria in recent years, raising fears that religious persecution may be entering a dangerous new phase in the war-torn nation.
