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At least 13 killed after suicide bomb attack on busy church in Syria

Syrian security forces stand guard outside Mar Elias church where a suicide bomber detonated himself in Dweil'a in the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, Sunday June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki) — Syrian security forces stand guard outside Mar Elias church where a suicide bomber detonated himself in Dweil'a in the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, Sunday June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

A suicide bomber attacked the Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a, near Damascus, Syria, on Sunday.
Syrian state media reported at least 13 people were killed and 53 wounded, while a war monitor cited at least 19 fatalities and dozens injured, with children reportedly among the victims.
The Syrian Interior Ministry stated an Islamic State extremist fired at worshippers before detonating an explosives vest inside the Church, an account supported by some witnesses.
This marks the first such attack in Syria in years, raising concerns about extremist sleeper cells as Damascus seeks to gain support from minority groups.
Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mostafa condemned the incident as a terrorist act, while Church officials and witnesses provided further details on the attack's progression.

Suicide bomber kills at least 13 in Syrian church near Damascus during mass — In full