ISIS Suicide Bombing Kills 22 at Damascus Church

A suicide bomber affiliated with ISIS killed at least 22 people and injured more than 60 during a Sunday service at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus's Dweil’a district, with children and the elderly among the casualties. The attacker opened fire on worshippers before detonating an explosive vest, and authorities noted the possible involvement of a second gunman. This marks the first major attack in Damascus since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December and has drawn condemnation from Syrian, Greek, Turkish, and Western officials. No group has formally claimed responsibility, but the attack underscores the ongoing threat from ISIS as Syria undergoes a political transition under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The bombing has heightened fears among Syrian Christians and prompted urgent calls for international support to protect religious minorities. Authorities and witnesses are continuing to investigate the incident and address security concerns.