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

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