Syria's Christians worry for their future after church attack

Church Attack in Damascus

A suicide explosion at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Prophet Elias in Damascus claimed the lives of 24 people on 22 June. Another 60 individuals were injured in the attack.

The Syrian authorities blamed the Islamic State (IS) group for the attack, while a lesser-known Sunni extremist group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, claimed responsibility. Government officials maintain the two groups are likely operating in coordination.

Milad, a brother of Emad, was among those killed while attending a Sunday evening service. Emad discovered his brother's death at the hospital, where half of Milad's face was burned.

The attack raised concerns about the security situation in Syria following the end of the civil war in December. Recent sectarian violence has led some to question the government's ability to control the situation.

Christians in Syria have faced increasing threats and displacement since the beginning of the conflict. Many fled abroad during the war, and attacks on churches occurred during the conflict but not while worshippers were present.

Following the attack, President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed condolences, but religious leaders criticized the government's response and called for accountability. Two suspects were killed and six arrested in a security operation targeting an IS cell in Damascus.