Articles in this Cluster
23-06-2025
A suicide bomber attacked the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in Damascus’s Dweila neighborhood during Sunday evening service, killing at least 22 people and wounding 63, according to Syrian authorities. The attacker reportedly opened fire before detonating an explosive vest; officials said he was affiliated with Islamic State, though the group has not claimed responsibility. It is the first such attack in Damascus since Islamist-led rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad, ending the 13-year civil war. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate condemned the blast and urged interim authorities to protect citizens and safeguard churches. UN and US envoys denounced the attack. Despite IS’s territorial defeat in 2019, the UN warns the group remains a significant threat in Syria, with thousands of fighters and supporters still active or detained.
Entities: Damascus, Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias, Islamic State, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Bashar al-Assad • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-06-2025
A suicide bomber opened fire and detonated an explosive vest inside the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dweil’a on the outskirts of Damascus, killing at least 20 people and wounding 52, according to Syrian state media. The Syrian Interior Ministry said the attacker was an Islamic State extremist; no group has claimed responsibility. Witnesses reported the assailant entered with his face covered, shot at worshippers, and detonated at the entrance as people tried to stop him. Some accounts mentioned a second gunman. The attack—rare in recent years—comes amid concerns about extremist sleeper cells and efforts by Damascus’ de facto Islamist authorities to court minority support. Syrian officials condemned the bombing as a terrorist act and pledged to combat such threats.
Entities: Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church, Dweil’a, Damascus, Syrian Interior Ministry, Islamic State • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-06-2025
A suicide bomber attacked the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox church in Dweil’a near Damascus during prayers, killing at least 22 and injuring 63. The assailant reportedly opened fire before detonating himself. While no group claimed responsibility, Syria’s interior ministry suggested ISIS was likely behind the attack, calling it an attempt to destabilize the country and undermine coexistence. The incident drew international condemnation, including from a U.S. envoy, and occurred amid heightened regional tensions following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Entities: Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church, Dweil’a, Damascus, Islamic State (ISIS), Syria’s Interior Ministry • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-06-2025
A suicide bomber attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, opening fire on worshippers before detonating an explosive vest, killing at least 22 people and injuring 63, including children. Officials say it is the first such attack since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December and alleged the assailant was linked to Islamic State; reports indicate a second gunman may have been involved. Footage showed extensive damage inside the church. Syria’s information minister condemned the attack, pledging action against terrorist groups, while Greece called for measures to protect Christians in Syria.
Entities: Damascus, Greek Orthodox Church, Bashar al-Assad, Islamic State, Syria’s information minister • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
23-06-2025
A suicide bomber attacked Saint Elias Church in Dweila near Damascus during Sunday Mass, killing at least 25 and wounding 63—the deadliest assault on Syrian Christians since Assad’s fall in December. Syrian authorities blamed the Islamic State, announcing arrests of cell members and the killing of a key facilitator. The attack, involving a gunman who opened fire before detonating explosives, has reignited fears among Christians and other minorities amid a surge in sectarian violence under President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s six-month-old government. Despite efforts to include minorities in the new administration, clashes involving Alawites, Druze, and pro-government Islamists, plus stalled integration with Kurdish-led forces, highlight ongoing instability. International and U.N. officials condemned the bombing, while local church leaders warned it could further erode Syria’s dwindling Christian presence.
Entities: Saint Elias Church, Dweila, Damascus, Islamic State, Syrian Christians • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
