Syrian security services report arrests and death of those responsible for Mar Elias attack

DARAMSUQ — Syrian intelligence services have reportedly dismantled an Islamic State (ISIS) cell they say is responsible for yesterday’s deadly attack on the Greek (Rûm) Orthodox Church of Mar Elias in Daramsuq (Damascus), Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab reports.

According to the Khattab, the mastermind behind yesterdays cowardly attack and several members of the terrorist cell have been arrested. He further stated that the cell is affiliated with ISIS and has been preparing the terrorist attack for some time.

في أعقاب الهجوم الإرهابي الغادر الذي استهدف كنيسة القديس مار إلياس بحي الدويلعة في دمشق، واصلت وحداتنا الأمنية جهودها المكثفة. ومع جمع المعلومات وتحليل الأدلة وإنشاء غرفة عمليات مشتركة مع جهاز الاستخبارات العامة لمقاطعة المعلومات وتأكيدها، بدأنا بالكشف عن خيوط الحقيقة.

— أنس حسان خطاب (@Anas_Khatab_sy) June 23, 2025

The operation took place today in Harasta and Kafr Batna in the immediate vicinity of Daramsuq. The “facilitator” of the Mar Elias attack was killed in the operation. The leader of the Islamic State cell has been arrested. One of the members was preparing another attack, also in the capital, but the minister does not mention a target of the possible attack.

During the raid, large quantities of weapons and ammunition were seized, as well as explosive vests and mines. A motorcycle bomb ready to be detonated was also found.