Sun Jun 22 18:08:09 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article rewritten from it:

**Summary:**

A suicide bomber, identified by the Syrian Interior Ministry as a member of the Islamic State group (Daesh/IS), attacked the Mar Elias Church in the Dweil’a neighborhood of Damascus, Syria on June 22, 2025. The attacker opened fire before detonating an explosive belt, killing at least 15 people according to Syrian Civil Defence. This marks the first such attack in the Syrian capital since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Witnesses described gunfire, an explosion, and widespread destruction inside the church.

**News Article:**

**ISIS Claims Responsibility for Deadly Church Bombing in Damascus**

**Damascus, Syria – June 22, 2025** – A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus claimed the lives of at least 15 people today, Syrian Civil Defence officials have confirmed. The attack, the first of its kind since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December, has been attributed to the Islamic State group (ISIS).

According to the Syrian Interior Ministry, the attacker, identified as an ISIS member, entered the church in the Dweil’a neighborhood and opened fire on worshippers before detonating an explosive belt.

“A suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh (IS) terrorist group entered the Saint Elias church… where he opened fire and then blew himself up,” the ministry stated.

Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos and devastation. “Someone entered from outside carrying a weapon,” one man told AFP, “and began shooting… People tried to stop him before he blew himself up.”

Another resident, Ziad, who owns a shop across the street from the church, reported hearing gunfire followed by a powerful explosion. “We saw fire in the church and the remains of wooden benches thrown all the way to the entrance,” he said.

AFP correspondents on the scene witnessed first responders transporting the wounded and the dead amidst shattered pews, strewn icons, and pools of blood.

The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Syria’s new authorities in the wake of Assad’s removal. The incident is a stark reminder of the continued threat posed by extremist groups despite the change in leadership.

An investigation into the attack is currently underway.

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