The recent suicide bombing at St. Elias Church in the Al-Duwaileh neighborhood of Damascus is not merely a terrorist incident—it is a manifestation of the growing instability and extremist infiltration in Syria’s power structures. The attack, which killed at least 27 civilians, including women and children, was reportedly carried out by a Pakistani national and two Arab accomplices, a local Syrian from the bombing site reported. Eyewitness reports, footage, and survivor accounts expose a troubling reality: Syria is now, in part, governed by the very forces it once fought.
The influence of Abu Mohammad al-Joulani and his network, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), continues to spread beyond the northwestern strongholds, with extremist elements rebranding as civil authorities and security forces (OSINT and regional analysis). This blurring of governance and militancy, compounded by systemic negligence, leaves vulnerable communities—especially religious minorities—at increasing risk.
Historic Christian Symbol Targeted
St. Elias Church, a monument of Syria’s religious pluralism built in the 8th century and rebuilt in the 19th, was struck during Sunday services. This sacred site, located in a predominantly Christian area, was attacked in one of the capital’s deadliest sectarian assaults in recent years.
The suicide bomber opened fire on worshippers before storming the church and detonating his explosive belt according to the eyewitnesses.
Eyewitnesses report the attacker spoke in a South Asian language—likely Urdu or Punjabi. The perpetrator arrived in a Da’wa vehicle that had previously drawn local suspicion. Two Arab accomplices supported the attacker as well.
Casualties and wounded
Confirmed deaths: 27+
Injured: Dozens, including children and elderly
Notable martyrs include Brothers Greis and Boutros Bechara, who resisted the bomber and saved lives.
Italian tourist footage from a hotel near the church captured the moment of the explosion, providing rare documentation of the blast as it occurred.
Eyewitness Testimonies
Eyewitness Elid Atros said:
“I was standing with my father near the church when it happened. The attacker had previously come to our neighborhood in a Da’wa vehicle. This time, he came back armed. He fired at us. I tried to stop him, but I had no weapon. Inside the church, the scene was horrific. When his bullets ran out, he detonated his vest.”
— [Crescent Post’s field interview with Atros]
He also confirmed the attacker spoke in what he identified as Pakistani (likely Urdu), and that he was accompanied by two Arab men.
Mrs. Laure Al-Nasr, widow of Greis Bechara, publicly stated:
“I don’t want condolences. I want justice.”
— [Crescent Post’s correspondent’s interview, June 27]
She recounted how her husband and his brother attempted to resist the suicide bomber—kicking away a grenade and tackling the attacker—before being killed in the detonation. She condemned the regime’s symbolic gestures and demanded a serious investigation from the government.
Who Is in Control? The Rise of Joulani’s Shadow State
From Terrorists to Authorities, Groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda, such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now operate under civilian-sounding names like General Security. These factions, rebranded but unchanged in ideology, exert real control across parts of Syria.
In Damascus, while the regime claims control, these extremist networks operate in the shadows—through religious outreach vehicles, proselytizing activity, and unofficial policing structures.
Growing Sectarian Danger
This attack deliberately targeted a Christian congregation, making it a clear sectarian assault. The timing—during Sunday prayers—and the site—a church known for historic Christian heritage—indicates an ideological and symbolic motive
This incident further marginalizes religious minorities, who have long borne the brunt of Syria’s conflict and political instability.
Global Silence, Local Rage
Despite the magnitude of the attack, no international institution has publicly condemned the security failure or addressed the role of HTS and similar groups in the growing vacuum of power in Syria.
Local platforms, such as “Soldier of Christ” (the largest Christian Facebook community in Syria) and “Syria Justice Archive” (a social media platform covering the situation is post Assad Syria), have taken the lead in documenting names, videos, and local testimony.
Pressure Against Extremist Governance
Global actors must reassess the influence and strategies of rebranded extremist groups like HTS under Joulani’s leadership. They must not be treated as legitimate governance alternatives.
Support for Documentation and Witness Protection
Eyewitnesses, especially from minority communities, must be offered protection and international support to ensure their testimonies are preserved.
Emergency Aid for Victims and Survivors
Psychological, financial, and community rebuilding assistance is urgently needed for families affected by the attack.
The bombing at St. Elias Church is more than a security failure—it is a symbolic defeat for pluralism, safety, and dignity in Syria. As Joulani’s networks penetrate deeper into previously “safe” zones, and extremists operate behind new titles, the people suffer the consequences of a fractured, compromised power structure.
This attack must not be forgotten. It must be documented, condemned, and answered with global accountability.
