Political and civil organizations across Syria condemn terrorist attack on Church of Mar Elias, demand accountability

DARAMSUQ — Political and civil organizations from across Syria have condemned the terrorist attack that targeted the Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in the Douileh neighborhood of Daramsuq (Damascus). 

The Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) issued a statement denouncing the attack, urging Syrian and international actors to take decisive action against terrorism and hold its supporters accountable. Expressing sorrow over the incident, DAARNES extended condolences to the victims’ families and wished a swift recovery to the injured. The statement described the targeting of places of worship and civilian gatherings as a heinous form of terrorism aimed at undermining Syria’s social peace and communal harmony. 

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) condemned the bombing as an assault on all Syrians who value freedom and peace. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and participating in any national effort to counter extremism. 

Similarly, the SDC called the bombing a flagrant violation of humanitarian and national values, asserting that the attack was an attempt to destabilize Syria’s pluralistic society. 

The Syrian Women’s Council and the Future Syria Party echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for accountability and solidarity among Syria’s diverse communities. 

In a unified response, 33 political parties from North and East Syria released a joint statement condemning the attack as a grave violation of the sanctity of worship and human rights. The parties demanded an immediate investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

The bombing, widely seen as an attempt to sow division and fear, has galvanized calls for unity and collective action against terrorism to preserve Syria’s rich cultural and communal mosaic.