Fact Check: First suicide bombing in Damascus since Assad's regime was toppled

Fact Check: First Suicide Bombing in Damascus Since Assad's Regime Was Toppled

What We Know

On June 22, 2025, a suicide bombing occurred at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in the Dweila neighborhood of Damascus, resulting in at least 22 fatalities and numerous injuries (BBC, New York Times). The assailant reportedly opened fire on congregants before detonating an explosive vest, and Syrian authorities indicated that the attacker was affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) (BBC, Arab News). This incident has been characterized as the first suicide bombing in Damascus since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2022, marking a significant escalation in violence in the capital (BBC, Arab News).

Analysis

The claim that this is the first suicide bombing in Damascus since the fall of Assad's regime is supported by multiple credible sources. The BBC and the New York Times both confirm that the bombing is unprecedented in the context of the current political landscape in Syria, which has been marked by a fragile peace following years of civil war (BBC, New York Times).

The Syrian interior ministry's statement that the attacker was linked to IS adds a layer of complexity, as the group has been known for targeting religious minorities, particularly Christians, in Syria (BBC, Arab News). The historical context is significant; IS had previously conducted numerous attacks in Syria, particularly during its peak control over large territories in the region, but this is the first such incident in the capital since the regime change (New York Times).

The reliability of the sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of reporting on Middle Eastern affairs. However, it is important to note that while the Syrian government has a vested interest in portraying stability, the presence of IS and its affiliates remains a real threat, as highlighted by the UN's warnings regarding the group's potential resurgence (BBC, New York Times).

Conclusion

The claim that the suicide bombing in Damascus on June 22, 2025, is the first since the toppling of Assad's regime is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the event's significance in the context of Syria's ongoing struggle with sectarian violence and terrorism, particularly from IS.

Sources

1. Suicide bombing at Damascus church kills 20, authorities say - BBC
2. Suicide Bombing at Damascus Church Kills at Least 20 - New York Times
3. At least 13 people killed in suicide bombing at Syrian church near ... - PBS
4. Twenty killed in suicide bombing at Damascus church - Arab News
5. Suicide bombing at Damascus church kills at least 15 - Strait Times