Fact Check: "Attack on church is the first of its kind in years in Syria."
What We Know
On June 22, 2025, a suicide bomber attacked the Mar Elias Church in Dweil’a, near Damascus, Syria, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people and injuries to 63 others, according to state media reports and various news outlets (AP News, Reuters). The attack involved a gunman who opened fire inside the church before detonating an explosive vest. Witnesses reported that the church was filled with worshippers at the time of the attack, and some local media indicated that children were among the casualties (BBC).
The Syrian Interior Ministry suggested that the Islamic State (IS) was likely responsible for the attack, which they characterized as a terrorist act aimed at destabilizing the region (AP News, Wikipedia). This incident has been noted as the first attack of its kind on a church in Syria in years, highlighting ongoing security concerns regarding extremist groups in the area.
Analysis
The claim that this attack is the first of its kind in years is supported by multiple credible sources. The AP News article explicitly states that the attack on the church was "the first of its kind in Syria in years" (AP News). This assertion is echoed by other reports, including those from Reuters and BBC, which confirm the unprecedented nature of the attack on a place of worship in the current context of the Syrian conflict.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they include established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The AP News and Reuters have extensive international coverage and are recognized for their fact-checking processes. However, it is important to note that while the Syrian government and its affiliated media outlets report on the incident, they may have inherent biases, particularly in framing the narrative around extremist threats.
The lack of immediate responsibility claims from extremist groups, aside from the Interior Ministry's indication towards IS, adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Nonetheless, the consensus among reputable news sources supports the claim regarding the uniqueness of this attack in the recent history of Syria.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the attack on the church is the first of its kind in years in Syria is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The incident marks a significant and alarming event in the context of ongoing violence and instability in the region, particularly concerning attacks on places of worship.
