Headline Roundup • June 25th, 2025
ISIS Affiliate Kills 25 Christians in Syrian Church Bombing
Summary from the AllSides News Team
An ISIS splinter cell claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Greek Orthodox church in Syria on Sunday that killed 25 and injured 63 others.
The Details: A suicide bomber opened fire on the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in Damascus’ Dweila neighborhood during a Sunday evening service before detonating an explosive vest, according to Syria’s interior ministry. The ministry initially named ISIS as the suspected culprit, and on Tuesday, the ISIS splinter group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna (Brigade of Sunni Supporters) claimed responsibility.
For Context: The bombing was Syria’s first major terror attack in years and comes months after the December coup of former President Bashar al-Assad, as the country’s interim Islamist President Ahmed al-Sharaa struggles to unite the country. In March, hundreds of civilians in western Syria, including religious minorities like Alawites and Christians, were killed in sectarian killings and clashes.
Key Quotes: Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba appeared to place blame on ISIS and the remnants of Assad’s government and said, “The security of places of worship is a red line.” Syria’s foreign ministry called it “a desperate attempt to undermine national coexistence and to destabilize the country.” US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack wrote on X, “We continue to support the Syrian government as it fights against those who are seeking to create instability and fear in their country and the broader region.”
How The Media Covered It: Most outlets covered the news shortly after it broke on Sunday, highlighting that the Syrian government suspected ISIS was behind the attack. DW (Center bias) reported on Tuesday that an ISIS cell officially claimed responsibility on Tuesday, though most media outlets did not cover this development.
Written by the AllSides staff (of humans). Learn more. Support our mission.
Featured Coverage of this Story
A suicide bomber in Syria opened fire then detonated an explosive vest inside a Greek Orthodox church filled with people praying on Sunday, killing at least 22 and wounding 63 others, state media reported.
On Tuesday, the Islamic State (IS) splinter group Saraya Ansar al-Sunna (Brigade of Sunni Supporters) claimed responsibility for the deadly Sunday bombing of a Greek Orthodox Church in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
The incident happened when a member of the group blew himself up at the doors of the Saint Elias Church in the Christian-Sunni Muslim neighborhood of al-Dweilaa during Sunday mass, killing 25 people and injuring another 63.
AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki
The Islamic State is believed to be behind a deadly suicide bombing that happened at a Greek Orthodox church in Syria on Sunday. At least 22 people were killed, and 63 others were injured in the attack that took place at the Mar Elias Church in Dweil'a – on the outskirts of Damascus. It reportedly began while people were praying. The perpetrator first opened fire on the worshipers, before detonating himself. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the mass-casualty attack, Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba suggested ISIS as...
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