Deadly church attack raises security fears for Syrians, minorities

A Syrian man reacts inside Mar Elias Church, where a suicide bomber detonated himself, in Dweil'a in the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, Sunday June 22, 2025 [Omar Sanadiki/AP]

Sunday’s deadly attack on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus has shaken Syria, and particularly the country’s Christians.

The attack on Sunday killed at least 25 people, after a man with a rifle entered the church and shot at worshippers, before detonating a suicide bomb. It has raised questions about the ability of the new Syrian government to manage security in the country and protect its citizens, including those from minority groups.