Fact Check: "52 others wounded in the devastating church bombing."
What We Know
On June 22, 2025, a suicide bombing occurred at the Greek Orthodox Mar St. Elias Church in Damascus, Syria. The attack resulted in at least 22 fatalities and 63 injuries, as reported by Syria's health ministry (BBC, Reuters). The attacker, who was affiliated with the Islamic State (IS), opened fire before detonating an explosive device during a service attended by approximately 350 worshippers (Wikipedia). Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with gunfire preceding the explosion and significant damage to the church (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that "52 others wounded" is inaccurate based on the available reports. The confirmed number of injuries stands at 63, which is less than the stated figure of 52. This discrepancy suggests that the claim may have been a misinterpretation or miscommunication of the reported figures.
The sources reporting on this incident, including major news outlets like the BBC and Reuters, are generally considered reliable. They provided consistent details about the attack, including the number of casualties and the context surrounding the event. The BBC, for instance, is known for its rigorous editorial standards, while Reuters is recognized for its global news coverage and fact-checking protocols (BBC, Reuters).
However, it is important to note that the claim regarding the number of wounded may stem from confusion or misreporting in the immediate aftermath of the attack, a common occurrence in fast-developing news situations. The initial reports often undergo revisions as more information becomes available.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that "52 others wounded" is misleading as the confirmed number of injuries is 63. While the figure of 52 does not accurately reflect the reported data, it is essential to clarify that the actual number of wounded exceeds this claim. The confusion may arise from the rapid dissemination of information in the wake of such tragic events.
