Syrian authorities have arrested suspects linked to an Islamic State (ISIS) suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, killing 25 and injuring 63 others. The interior ministry confirmed the arrests, while President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed to pursue justice for the attack, which occurred during a mass at the Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a.
The operation, which targeted locations linked to ISIS cells, resulted in the recovery of explosive devices and a booby-trapped motorcycle. Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine Al-Baba suggested that ISIS was the likely perpetrator, citing a preliminary investigation into the attack. He emphasized the importance of securing places of worship, denouncing both ISIS and the remnants of the former Ba’athist regime as threats to Syria’s stability.
The attack comes amid heightened political unrest in the Middle East, less than 24 hours after the U.S. launched airstrikes on Iran’s top nuclear facilities. Israel has also carried out similar strikes on Iranian targets in recent weeks, underscoring the ongoing regional tensions. Syrian President al-Sharaa warned of the need for unity and solidarity to combat the dangers facing the nation, calling the attack a reminder of the importance of collective action against terrorism.
While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, the Syrian authorities have attributed it to ISIS, drawing attention to the group’s ongoing presence in the region. The incident has sparked renewed calls for international cooperation to address the spread of extremist ideologies, with Syrian officials highlighting the necessity of a united front against terrorism.