Syria: Bomb Attack on Church in Tartus Foiled

Arrest of suspects. Photo: sana.sy

TARTUS — Internal security forces in the province of Tartus thwarted an attempted bombing of the Maronite Church of Saint Elias in the village of Al-Haribat, in the Safita area, on August 6, 2025, according to the news agency sana.sy.

Two people were taken into custody who, according to official statements, were en route to execute the attack.

According to the Ministry of Interior, Tartus internal security commander, Colonel Abdel Al Mohamed Abdel Al, stated that the “operation was carried out after receiving precise intelligence” indicating that a group linked to remnants of the former regime was planning to detonate explosive devices inside the church.

During the operation, security forces seized an explosive device, documents containing threatening messages addressed to local residents, and a black flag, the details of which were not specified.

“Through the special operations unit, we conducted a high-quality security operation after intensive tracking and surveillance,” Colonel Abdel Al said, emphasizing that “two members of the cell were arrested while they were on their way to carry out the criminal plan.”

The commander stressed that security forces would not tolerate any attempts at destabilization and would “remain the nation’s impenetrable shield against anyone who tries to endanger citizens’ safety.”

Previously, UOJ reported that the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East has announced that restoration work on the recently attacked St. Elias Church in Damascus will commence next week.

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