A recent surge in attacks targeting religious sites in Syria has drawn attention to a newly formed militant group calling itself “Seraia Ansar al-Sunna,” or “Brigades of the Supporters of the Sunna.” The group claimed responsibility for a June 22nd suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus that left at least 25 people dead and more than 50 injured, highlighting the ongoing instability and sectarian tensions within the country.
Seraia Ansar al-Sunna first publicly emerged on February 10, 2025, with a statement announcing the killing of nine individuals in Hama province, whom they described as “symbols of the former regime.” The group simultaneously vowed to target members of the Alawite sect. On March 4th, they claimed responsibility for an attack on a Shia shrine in the countryside of Hama.
In May, Abu al-Fatah al-Shami, described as the group’s religious authority, told the Lebanese newspaper Al-Nahar that Seraia Ansar al-Sunna had existed prior to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024 and is based in Idlib. He stated that the group’s members include defectors from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, as well as civilians.
According to a report by Al-Monitor, the group maintains a presence on the Telegram messaging app and claims to have approximately 1,000 fighters. The emergence of this novel militant group underscores the complex and fragmented nature of the Syrian conflict, even as the country attempts to rebuild after years of civil war.
Possible Links to ISIS
While Seraia Ansar al-Sunna has denied any formal affiliation with the Islamic State (ISIS), a source within the terrorist organization told Al-Monitor that the group is connected to it, describing it as similar to previous formations that appeared independent but maintained ties. A United Nations report suggested the group may serve as a “facade” allowing ISIS to plausibly deny responsibility for attacks while simultaneously bolstering its operational capabilities.
The government of Ahmed al-Shar’a joined the International Coalition against ISIS in November 2025, a partnership formed to combat the terrorist group that once controlled large swathes of Syria. UN experts monitoring terrorism in Syria report that ISIS continues to operate throughout the country, primarily targeting security forces, especially in the north and northeast.
The attack on the Mar Elias Church, and the group claiming responsibility, raises concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Syria and the potential for further escalation of sectarian violence. The incident also highlights the challenges facing the Syrian government and the international community in addressing the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups.
According to reports, the group announced the attack on Telegram, identifying the suicide bomber as Muhammad Zain al-Abidin Abu Uthman and claiming it was in response to “provocations by Christians in Damascus against the call and the people of the faith.”
The Syrian Interior Ministry initially attributed the attack to ISIS, stating that they had arrested a number of individuals involved in the bombing during a security operation targeting ISIS cells in the Damascus countryside. However, ISIS has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The statement released by Seraia Ansar al-Sunna accused Christians in Damascus of “exceeding the limits of provocation” and “insulting the call and the people of the faith.”
