Attack on Churches in Damascus
The tragic gun and suicide bombings targeting churches in Damascus on Sunday have resulted in at least 25 fatalities and left 63 others injured. This incident poses a significant challenge to the ruling military junta’s commitment to ensuring safety for all ethnic and religious groups in Syria.
A masked gunman opened fire during the Sunday service at the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias located in the Dovairan district. The assailant detonated his suicide vest after entering the church. Some witnesses noted that there was a second shooter present during the attack.
No immediate group claimed responsibility for the violence, but the Syrian Ministry of Home Affairs asserted that the attackers were affiliated with the Islamic State.
On Monday, the Ministry announced that several individuals connected to the attack had been apprehended, and explosive devices had been recovered linked to “cells belonging to the terrorist group” near Damascus. Daesh is another term for ISIS.
This tragic event marks the first suicide bombing at a Christian church in Syria since the civil war erupted in 2011 and the first terrorist act in Damascus following the overthrow of Bashar Assad’s regime last December.
Syrian interim president Ahmed Arshala vowed that the government would dedicate all necessary resources to capture those responsible for this heinous crime and bring them to justice.
Sharaa emphasized the importance of unity in the face of those threatening the country’s security and stability. He remarked that these violent actions contradict the core values that connect citizens. Furthermore, Hamza Mostafa, the Syrian Minister of Information, reiterated a commitment to equal citizenship and the state’s intention to combat criminal organizations.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the protection of places of worship is non-negotiable.
Abdul Rahim Athon, head of the Advisory Bureau of Religious Affairs in Damascus, described the attack as a “complex crime” aimed at undermining security and inciting confusion. He stated that such acts are against religious teachings and should incur severe consequences.
The Greek Foreign Ministry condemned the “abhorrent terrorist suicide bombing” and urged Shara’s government to take immediate and decisive actions to protect the Christian community and other religious groups.
A family member of one of the victims expressed disappointment, suggesting that if Shara truly cared about Christians, he would take responsibility for investigating the attack.
During Sunday Mass, Father Maratios criticized the interim government for its inability to safeguard the church. He voiced concern that citizens had always relied on divine protection but now sought reassurance from the government, which he felt failed to offer support.
Amidst the chaos of Assad’s exile, ISIS seems to be trying to regain its footing in Syria. Reports suggest they are capitalizing on the disarray, using politically charged imagery to bolster recruitment efforts.
The government has indicated that ISIS has managed to replenish its arsenal with weapons left behind by Assad’s forces. Some officials have implied that supporters of Assad’s regime might be collaborating with ISIS to undermine the new government.
The Governor of Damascus noted that the remnants of the government’s efforts to maintain order have shown signs of struggle within the local area.
Sharaa himself has ties to both Al-Qaeda and ISIS, growing from a rebel group into what is now Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) over the years. HTS has been involved in a long battle against ISIS for control of territories in northern Syria.
Despite the claims of protecting a diverse array of Syrian sects, Shara’s government still exhibits Islamist tendencies that may challenge the rights of certain groups, particularly those viewed favorably by the Assad regime.
