Fact Check: Attack on church is first of its kind in years in Syria.

Fact Check: "Attack on church is first of its kind in years in Syria."

What We Know

On June 22, 2025, a suicide bomber attacked the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dweil’a, near Damascus, Syria, during a Divine Liturgy, resulting in at least 25 fatalities and numerous injuries (source-1, source-3). This incident has been reported as the first attack of its kind on a church in Syria in several years, with various sources confirming this characterization (source-5, source-6). The attack has been attributed to the Islamic State, according to the Syrian Ministry of Interior, which indicated that the assailant opened fire before detonating explosives (source-1, source-4).

Analysis

The claim that the attack on the Mar Elias Church is the first of its kind in years is supported by multiple reputable news sources. The Associated Press and BBC have both reported that this incident marks a significant and alarming return of violence targeting places of worship in Syria, particularly against Christian communities, which have faced increasing threats from extremist groups in recent years (source-3, source-6).

However, it is essential to note that while this attack is indeed the first major incident of its kind in recent years, there have been sporadic reports of violence against Christians and other minority groups in Syria throughout the ongoing conflict. For instance, prior to this attack, there were incidents of violence and intimidation against Christian communities, but they were not as high-profile or deadly as the June 2025 bombing (source-7).

The characterization of the attack as the "first of its kind" could be seen as somewhat misleading if one considers the broader context of violence against religious minorities in Syria. While it may be the first significant attack in recent years, it does not imply that such violence has entirely ceased.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that the attack on the church is the first of its kind in years in Syria is partially true. While it is accurate that this specific incident represents a notable resurgence of violence against a church, it overlooks the ongoing threats and violence faced by Christian communities in Syria over the years. Thus, while the attack is significant and alarming, it is essential to recognize the broader context of religious violence in the region.

Fact Check: Attack on church is first of its kind in years in Syria.