Syrian authorities capture 'criminals' linked to brutal church attack that killed dozens: report

Syrian authorities have reported that arrests were made in relation to a devastating suicide bombing that resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals at a Greek Orthodox church on Sunday.

The interior ministry reported the arrest of “a number of criminals involved in the attack,” the Orthodox Times reported. 

Interior Minister Anas Khattab stated that the operation targeted “locations linked to cells of the terrorist organization Islamic State,” as reported by the outlet.

During a security operation near Damascus targeting cells linked to the Daesh (IS) terrorist group, explosive devices and a booby-trapped motorcycle were also found, according to France24.

The attack “reminds us of the importance of solidarity, and unity of the government and the people in facing all that threatens our nation’s security and stability”, Sharaa said of the church bombing.

Streetview of explosion damage.

People gather outside the Mar Elias church in Dweil’a following the suicide bombing on June 22, 2025. (BAKR ALKASEM/AFP via Getty Images)

The attack comes amid a time of heightened political unrest in the notoriously volatile Middle East – less than 24 hours after the U.S. launched airstrikes on three of Iran’s top nuclear facilities. 

Israel launched a series of similar attacks, including attacks on the Iranian capital, Tehran, in the weeks prior.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

You May Also Like
Streator, Illinois City Council approves emergency declaration as tornado recovery continues

Streator City Council Approves Emergency Declaration as Tornado Recovery Efforts Continue

Streator city leaders have unanimously approved an emergency declaration as the community…
Social Security recipients face looming benefit cuts. Can the program be saved?

Social Security Benefit Cuts Loom: Can Congress Save the Program in Time?

Social Security is heading toward a major financial deadline: its trust fund…
Jeanine Pirro calls out 'dirtbags' after 14 charged in alleged cocaine ring operating feet from a schoolyard

Jeanine Pirro Slams Alleged Cocaine Ring Near Schoolyard as 14 Are Charged

Jeanine Pirro reveals DC police officers manipulated crime stats to make city…
Finland's parliament votes to lift decades-old ban on nuclear weapons in historic NATO defense shift

Finland Lifts Decades-Old Nuclear Weapons Ban in Historic NATO Defense Policy Shift

Finland pushes to join NATO quickly Finnish Ambassador to the U.S. Mikko…
Colombian military neutralizes five terrorists accused in bus bombing that killed 20, injured 45 civilians

Colombian Military Kills Five Suspects Linked to Bus Bombing That Left 20 Dead and 45 Injured

Colombian military forces said Wednesday they had neutralized five alleged members of…
Air Force identifies 8 crew members killed in B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base

Air Force Identifies Eight Service Members Killed in B-52 Stratofortress Crash at Edwards Air Force Base

Officials on Wednesday released the names of the eight people killed in…
South Carolina personal trainer goes missing, last spotted walking toward wooded area

SLED Joins Investigation After Body Found Matches Description of Missing South Carolina Personal Trainer

South Carolina’s lead investigative agency, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), joined…
Palisades Fire suspect hit with new charges in grand jury indictment

Uber Passenger Says Palisades Fire Suspect Gave Off ‘Incel Energy’ During Unsettling Ride

A passenger who says he rode with the man accused of starting…
Austin tech leader Joshua Baer identified as victim of Texas plane crash after jet caught fire along highway

Austin Tech Leader Joshua Baer Killed in Texas Plane Crash After Jet Catches Fire on Highway

Joshua Baer, founder of Capital Factory and one of Austin’s most prominent…
Jonathan Wilson charged in Uptown, Chicago police shooting on Argyle after condo board president shot, killed: CPD

Jonathan Wilson charged after fatal shooting of condo board president in Uptown, Chicago police say

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 38-year-old Chicago man is facing multiple felony charges,…
Senior US officials dictate memorandum with Iran to journalists+

US Officials Quietly Shape Iran Memorandum Through Journalist Briefings

Senior U.S. officials on Wednesday briefed reporters on the memorandum of understanding…
Coast Guard opens fire on boat smuggling 25 Chinese nationals near Florida after it refused to stop

US Coast Guard Fires on Smuggling Boat Carrying 25 Chinese Migrants Off Florida After Pursuit

The U.S. Coast Guard fired on a boat off the Florida coast…