Fact Check: This was the first church attack in Syria in years.

Fact Check: "This was the first church attack in Syria in years."

What We Know

On June 22, 2025, a suicide bombing occurred at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, resulting in at least 25 fatalities and numerous injuries. The attack was attributed to the Islamic State, which has a history of targeting religious sites in Syria, particularly those associated with Christian communities (Wikipedia, Reuters, AP News). Reports indicate that the church was filled with worshippers at the time of the attack, which has reignited fears among the Christian population in the region (Washington Post, New York Times).

Analysis

The claim that this was the "first church attack in Syria in years" is misleading. While the Mar Elias Church attack is indeed significant and tragic, it is not the first attack on a church in Syria in recent years. Prior incidents have been documented, including attacks on various Christian sites throughout the ongoing Syrian conflict. For example, the Syrian authorities have reported thwarted plots targeting Christian locations in the months leading up to the Mar Elias Church bombing (New York Times).

Furthermore, the context of violence against churches in Syria is not new. The ongoing civil war has seen numerous attacks on religious sites, with various factions, including ISIS, targeting Christians and their places of worship. The assertion that this was the first such incident in years overlooks the broader history of violence against Christian communities in Syria, which has included multiple attacks over the last decade (Wikipedia, ABC News).

In evaluating the sources, the information from major news outlets like Reuters, AP News, and the Washington Post is generally reliable, as they are established organizations with a history of accurate reporting. However, the claim that this was the first attack in years appears to stem from a misinterpretation or oversimplification of the ongoing violence in the region.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The assertion that the Mar Elias Church attack was the first church attack in Syria in years is inaccurate. While it is a significant and tragic event, it is not isolated, as there have been previous attacks on churches in Syria, particularly during the ongoing civil conflict. The historical context of violence against Christian sites in Syria contradicts the claim, making it misleading.