MSDIn a harrowing act of violence, a terrorist bombing struck the Dweilaa neighborhood in southeastern Damascus on the evening of Sunday, June 22. The attack targeted St. Elias Church while worshippers were gathered for Sunday Mass. This brutal incident left a number of civilians dead and injured, and caused significant damage to the church itself. The bombing had a profound impact across Syria, leaving a deep mark on the national consciousness. It comes at a time when the country is still struggling to find a path to safety and stability in the midst of a complex transitional period following the collapse of the previous regime.
The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) unequivocally condemns this horrific act of terror, which deliberately targeted civilians in a sacred space. The SDC regards this attack as a grave breach of international humanitarian law and a violation of Syria’s religious, national, and moral values. It is a deliberate attempt to sow fear, undermine coexistence, and destabilize the rich mosaic of Syrian society. The desecration of a house of worship, combined with the targeting of innocent lives, constitutes a double crime—one that offends the conscience of humanity and defies every ethical and legal standard.
We, as members of the SDC, extend our heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims, sharing their grief in this moment of profound sorrow. The SDC reaffirms that the Syrian people—across all ethnic and religious identities—remain united in their rejection of terrorism and extremism. No act of violence will shake their commitment to living in dignity, security, and peace.
This bombing is not merely an isolated tragedy—it is a stark warning. It highlights the urgent and growing security threats facing Syria in the post-authoritarian era, especially following the fall of the regime on December 8, 2024. The timing and location of this attack mark a serious and unprecedented escalation. It highlights a new level of threat that cannot be overlooked. This development calls for a reassessment of the country’s overall security posture. It also necessitates a comprehensive review of current strategies for protecting civilians and combating terrorism.
The SDC reiterates its firm condemnation of this abhorrent crime. It emphasizes that a safe and stable Syria can only be built on a foundation of democratic consensus and genuine political cooperation. The only path forward lies in collective national action to establish a civil, rights-based state. Such a state must guarantee fundamental freedoms, protect all communities, and put an end to violence and terrorism in all its forms and sources.
June 22, 2025
Syrian Democratic Council
