Fact Check: Suicide bomber kills at least 25 in Syrian church attack.

Fact Check: "Suicide bomber kills at least 25 in Syrian church attack."

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. Initial reports indicated that at least 22 people were killed and 63 others were injured due to the explosion and gunfire that preceded it. However, subsequent updates confirmed that the death toll had risen to at least 25, as reported by various news outlets including the Associated Press and BBC. The attack was characterized as a significant act of violence, marking the first suicide bombing of its kind in Syria in several years.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene where a gunman entered the church and opened fire before detonating an explosive vest. The Syrian Interior Ministry has suggested that the attack may have been linked to extremist groups, although no organization immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing (AP News, BBC). The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from various governments and organizations, emphasizing its impact on civil peace and coexistence in the region.

Analysis

The claim that a suicide bomber killed at least 25 people in a Syrian church attack is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported the death toll rising to 25, corroborated by statements from the Syrian Health Ministry. The BBC also confirmed this figure, highlighting the attack's severity and the context of ongoing violence in the region.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are well-established news organizations with a history of reporting on international events. The Associated Press, in particular, is known for its rigorous journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. The information provided by these sources aligns with reports from other outlets, including Reuters, which also covered the incident and confirmed the escalating death toll.

While the initial reports varied slightly in the number of casualties, the consistent updates from multiple reputable sources lend credibility to the claim. The context of the attack, including its timing and location, further underscores the significance of the event within the broader narrative of violence in Syria.

Conclusion

The claim that a suicide bomber killed at least 25 people in a Syrian church attack is True. The evidence from multiple reliable news sources confirms that the death toll from the attack has indeed reached at least 25, with additional injuries reported. The incident is a tragic reminder of the ongoing violence in Syria and its impact on civilian populations.