Fact Check: "Over 60 people wounded in deadly church bombing in Syria"
What We Know
On June 22, 2025, a suicide bombing occurred at the Saint Elias Church in the suburb of Dweila, near Damascus, Syria. Reports from Syrian health officials indicate that at least 25 people were killed and 63 were wounded during this attack, which took place while Mass was being held (The Washington Post). The Syrian Interior Ministry attributed the bombing to an Islamic State cell, stating that the bomber had entered the church and opened fire before detonating explosives attached to his body (The Washington Post). This incident has been described as the deadliest attack on Christians in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 (The Washington Post).
Analysis
The claim that "over 60 people were wounded" in the church bombing is supported by multiple credible sources. The Washington Post reported that 63 individuals were wounded in the attack (The Washington Post). Additionally, the Associated Press confirmed that 63 people were indeed injured, citing the Syrian Health Ministry (AP News).
While some reports, such as those from BBC and Reuters, initially mentioned varying casualty figures, they consistently reported that the number of wounded was around 63 (BBC, Reuters). The consistency across these reputable news organizations lends credibility to the reported figures.
In evaluating the reliability of these sources, The Washington Post and BBC are well-respected international news outlets known for their journalistic standards. The Associated Press is also a reputable news agency that provides verified information. Therefore, the reports regarding the number of wounded in the church bombing can be considered reliable.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that "over 60 people were wounded in a deadly church bombing in Syria" is substantiated by multiple credible sources that report 63 injuries resulting from the attack. The consistency of the casualty figures across reputable news outlets reinforces the accuracy of this claim.
Sources
- Syria - The World Factbook
- Syria church bombing reignites fears among Christians - The Washington Post
- Syria - Wikipedia
- Twenty killed in suicide bombing at Damascus church - Reuters
- Syria: Suicide bombing at Damascus church kills 25 - BBC
- Syyria – Wikipedia
- Mideast governments condemn suicide bombing of Syrian church as death toll rises - AP News
- Syria News | Today's Latest Stories | Reuters