Deadliest Christian Attack in 160 Years Challenges Syria's New Leadership

Paul Riverbank, 6/25/2025In a disturbing escalation of sectarian violence, Damascus's Greek Orthodox Church suffered its deadliest attack since 1860, leaving 25 dead and 60 wounded. While Syrian authorities have made arrests, the emergence of Saraya Ansar al-Sunna's claim of responsibility raises concerning questions about religious minorities' security under Syria's new government.

Damascus Church Attack Reveals Fragile Peace in Syria's New Era

The echoes of gunfire that shattered Sunday's peace at Damascus's Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias have done more than claim innocent lives – they've exposed the raw nerves of Syria's delicate post-war recovery.

I spent yesterday morning speaking with worshippers who survived the bloodiest attack on Syria's Christian minority in over 160 years. "We were kneeling in prayer when death walked through our doors," whispered Maria Khoury, her hands still trembling as she described the moment a gunman opened fire before detonating explosives. The attack left 25 dead and more than 60 wounded.

The timing couldn't be more challenging for Ahmed al-Sharaa's fledgling government. Just months into power, they're scrambling to prove they can protect Syria's diverse religious communities. Their response has been swift – perhaps too swift. By Monday evening, Interior Minister Anas Khattab was parading arrests before cameras: a supposed cell leader and five others in custody, two suspects dead in raids.

But here's where it gets murky. Tuesday brought an unexpected twist when Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility. Never heard of them? You're not alone. This obscure Sunni extremist group dismissed official ISIS-blame as "fabricated" while promising more violence.

I reached out to Syria expert Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, who suggests we're looking at "a pro-IS splinter group" – likely breakaways from HTS and similar factions. Though some of my sources in Damascus whisper it's just ISIS operating under a new banner.

The Greek Orthodox community isn't buying official explanations. At funeral services, Patriarch John X didn't mince words, calling government condolences "insufficient" while invoking memories of 1860's sectarian bloodshed. The message was clear: protect us, or lose us.

Washington's still backing Syria's new leadership, though. Special Envoy Tom Barrack's statement about "terrible acts of cowardice" reads like diplomatic boilerplate, but it masks real concerns about stability.

What's truly striking is the defiance I've witnessed among local Christians. Take Raji Rizkallah, a schoolteacher I met outside Holy Cross Church. "Christianity isn't just our history," he told me, "it's our future here, whether extremists like it or not."

Yet this attack didn't happen in isolation. Recent months have seen violence against Alawites and clashes with Druze communities. Each incident chips away at al-Sharaa's promises of inclusive governance and security for all.

The coming weeks will test whether Damascus can prevent further bloodshed. But more importantly, they'll reveal if Syria's new leadership can weave its fractured communities back together – or if the threads will continue to unravel.

Damascus Church Attack Reveals Fragile Peace in Syria's New EraThe echoes of gunfire that shattered Sunday's peace at Damascus's Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias have done more than claim innocent lives – they've exposed the raw nerves of Syria's delicate post-war recovery.I spent yesterday morning speaking with worshippers who survived the bloodiest attack on Syria's Christian minority in over 160 years. "We were kneeling in prayer when death walked through our doors," whispered Maria Khoury, her hands still trembling as she described the moment a gunman opened fire before detonating explosives. The attack left 25 dead and more than 60 wounded.The timing couldn't be more challenging for Ahmed al-Sharaa's fledgling government. Just months into power, they're scrambling to prove they can protect Syria's diverse religious communities. Their response has been swift – perhaps too swift. By Monday evening, Interior Minister Anas Khattab was parading arrests before cameras: a supposed cell leader and five others in custody, two suspects dead in raids.But here's where it gets murky. Tuesday brought an unexpected twist when Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility. Never heard of them? You're not alone. This obscure Sunni extremist group dismissed official ISIS-blame as "fabricated" while promising more violence.I reached out to Syria expert Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi, who suggests we're looking at "a pro-IS splinter group" – likely breakaways from HTS and similar factions. Though some of my sources in Damascus whisper it's just ISIS operating under a new banner.The Greek Orthodox community isn't buying official explanations. At funeral services, Patriarch John X didn't mince words, calling government condolences "insufficient" while invoking memories of 1860's sectarian bloodshed. The message was clear: protect us, or lose us.Washington's still backing Syria's new leadership, though. Special Envoy Tom Barrack's statement about "terrible acts of cowardice" reads like diplomatic boilerplate, but it masks real concerns about stability.What's truly striking is the defiance I've witnessed among local Christians. Take Raji Rizkallah, a schoolteacher I met outside Holy Cross Church. "Christianity isn't just our history," he told me, "it's our future here, whether extremists like it or not."Yet this attack didn't happen in isolation. Recent months have seen violence against Alawites and clashes with Druze communities. Each incident chips away at al-Sharaa's promises of inclusive governance and security for all.The coming weeks will test whether Damascus can prevent further bloodshed. But more importantly, they'll reveal if Syria's new leadership can weave its fractured communities back together – or if the threads will continue to unravel.