SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi extends condolences to victims of Mar Elias attack, says ISIS threatens all Syrians

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mazloum Abdi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that “following the painful incident at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and express my solidarity with them during this great tragedy.”

Abdi emphasized that “Christians have the right to live safely and peacefully in their homeland, without fear or threats.” He noted that, “The Islamic State (ISIS) is a danger to all Syrians, and confronting it is a national responsibility that requires unified efforts.”

بعد الحادث الأليم الذي وقع يوم أمس في كنيسة مار إلياس بدمشق، أتقدّم بأحرّ التعازي إلى عائلات الضحايا، وأؤكد تضامني معهم في هذا المصاب الكبير.
من حق إخوتنا المسيحيين أن يعيشوا بأمان وسلام في وطنهم، من دون خوف أو تهديد.
داعش خطر يهدد جميع السوريين، والتصدي له مسؤولية وطنية تتطلب… pic.twitter.com/KA9Oh0r6KW

— Mazloum Abdî مظلوم عبدي (@MazloumAbdi) June 23, 2025

He concluded by reaffirming the continued fight against ISIS “with full determination in defense of Syria and its people.”

Meanwhile, the Confederation of Democratic Society Organizations in North and East Syria issued a statement expressing its humanitarian solidarity with the families of the martyrs who were practicing their religious rituals in a house of worship. The statement described the bombing as a crime that violates moral, humanitarian, and societal values, and targets the fabric of coexistence and pluralism that has long defined Syria’s identity.

The Democratic Islam Conference in North and East Syria also condemned the attack, describing it as a “terrorist act,” and firmly rejected all forms of violence and extremism, regardless of their source or justification.