By Dr. Mohamad Kawas | Progress Center for Policies
Situation Assessment:
Introduction:
The terrorist attack on the Mar Elias Church in the Syrian capital has raised pressing questions about its timing, underlying agendas, and implications for the future stability of the new Syrian regime under President Ahmad al-Shar’. The incident casts a spotlight on the sensitive issue of minorities and the tense management of this file with Damascus.
Key Developments:
On June 22, 2025, a suicide bombing targeted the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, killing 20 people and injuring about 52. Syria’s Ministry of Interior said the attacker was affiliated with ISIS.
This is the first attack of its kind on a Christian religious site since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024.
On June 24, a group called “Saraya Ansar al-Sunna” claimed responsibility, stating that “martyr Muhammad Zain al-Abidin Abu Uthman” carried out the bombing in response to alleged “provocations” by Damascus’ Christians against the faith and its followers.
The group rejected Syrian government media reports and threatened more attacks by its “ready” suicide and infiltration units.
The group emerged in January 2025, pledging to target Alawites, Shiites, and Druze. It has claimed several killings and made no secret of its disdain for President al-Shar’s government, though it has not explicitly called for confrontation with it.
Some researchers suggest this group might be an intelligence front used within the jihadist milieu to pursue political goals against al-Shar’s administration.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated the attacker was linked to ISIS and, on June 23, announced arrests of suspects in an operation targeting ISIS cells in the Damascus countryside. Notably, ISIS has not officially claimed responsibility.
On June 23, President al-Shar’ called Bishop Romanos al-Hannat to extend condolences and reaffirm support for the Christian community as an integral part of Syria’s national fabric.
On June 25, Patriarch John X Yazigi (Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East) condemned the bombing at the funeral, stating the government bears responsibility for failing to protect minorities and that presidential condolences are insufficient. He called the attack the worst against Christians in Syria since 1860.
Supporters of al-Shar’s government criticized the Patriarch, hinting at his prior sympathies for the Assad regime.
The attack signals an intent by jihadist elements to undermine the stability the al-Shar’ government is trying to establish with support from regional and international partners.
Targeting a Christian church appears aimed at igniting concerns over minority safety, especially the Christian community — a matter of international relevance.
On March 13, 2025, ISIS condemned al-Shar’s initiatives for intercommunal coexistence, suggesting a prelude to attacks against Syria’s new administration.
In May 2025, ISIS claimed an attack on a Syrian military vehicle near Tulul al-Safa in the Suwayda desert, killing or injuring seven soldiers.
The church bombing coincides with tensions between Damascus and the Kurdish self-administration after the latter’s June 21 decision to take control of Qamishli International Airport, angering the central government.
Simultaneously, tension escalated with the Druze community after spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri said in early June that Druze would not disarm until the state stabilizes.
The attack is a direct challenge to the new Syrian regime, which ISIS views as apostate and aligned with the West.
An earlier attempted ISIS bombing near the Sayyida Zeinab shrine in January 2025 was foiled with intelligence reportedly provided by U.S. agencies.
Analysts connect the church attack with early June reports of ISIS appointing Abu Dujana al-Jubouri as governor of Aleppo, suggesting a regrouping of the organization in response to Syria’s new political landscape.
The bombing sends a message that jihadist groups retain operational capacity in Syria, despite increased Western-Syrian security cooperation.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce condemned the bombing as a “cowardly and brutal attack” and urged Syria to hold perpetrators accountable and protect all citizens, including religious and ethnic minorities.
On June 24, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the attack targeted all Syrians and that “Syria’s complex and diverse identity will not be broken by the cowardice of terrorists.” He reaffirmed U.S. support for religious inclusion and stability.
Conclusion:
The attack represents a direct security challenge to President Ahmad al-Shar’s government and a battle against jihadist terrorism.
It aims to fracture national unity by targeting the Christian minority, amid previous threats to other minority groups.
It coincides with mounting tensions between Damascus and both the Kurdish northeast and Druze south.
The attack is ideologically motivated and may involve a covert intelligence operation intended to destabilize the new regime.
Despite the global precedent of jihadist terrorism, Patriarch Yazigi placed blame squarely on al-Shar’s administration.
His stance sparked backlash among pro-government voices who recalled his former support for Bashar al-Assad.
Observers noted the U.S. envoy’s statement emphasizing continued American support for Syria’s pluralistic society and rejecting efforts to sow sectarian strife.
