The Syrian Democratic Council (MSD or SDC) released a statement condemning Sunday’s attack that targeted worshipers who gathered for Sunday Mass at St. Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Damascus. The attack left a number of civilians dead and injured, and caused significant damage to the church.

MSD stated that the bombing had a profound impact across Syria, leaving a deep mark on the national consciousness: “It comes at a time when the country is still struggling to find a path to safety and stability in the midst of a complex transitional period following the collapse of the previous regime.”

“The SDC regards this attack as a grave breach of international humanitarian law and a violation of Syria’s religious, national, and moral values. It is a deliberate attempt to sow fear, undermine coexistence, and destabilize the rich mosaic of Syrian society. The desecration of a house of worship, combined with the targeting of innocent lives, constitutes a double crime—one that offends the conscience of humanity and defies every ethical and legal standard.”

The SDC extended their heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims, sharing their grief at this moment of profound sorrow. “The SDC reaffirms that the Syrian people—across all ethnic and religious identities—remain united in their rejection of terrorism and extremism. No act of violence will shake their commitment to living in dignity, security, and peace,” it noted.

According to SDC, this bombing is not merely an isolated tragedy but a stark warning: “It highlights the urgent and growing security threats facing Syria in the post-authoritarian era, especially following the fall of the regime on December 8, 2024. The timing and location of this attack mark a serious and unprecedented escalation. It highlights a new level of threat that cannot be overlooked. This development calls for a reassessment of the country’s overall security posture. It also necessitates a comprehensive review of current strategies for protecting civilians and combating terrorism.”

The SDC reiterated its firm condemnation of this abhorrent crime and emphasized that a safe and stable Syria can only be built on a foundation of democratic consensus and genuine political cooperation. “The only path forward lies in collective national action to establish a civil, rights-based state. Such a state must guarantee fundamental freedoms, protect all communities, and put an end to violence and terrorism in all its forms and sources,” the statement concluded.