Syrian Interior Ministry Says ISIS Plot Targeting Sayyida Zaynab Shrine Was Foiled

Syrian Interior Ministry Says ISIS Plot Targeting Sayyida Zaynab Shrine Was Foiled
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Syria’s Interior Ministry has revealed details of investigations into the June 2025 terrorist attack on St. Elias Church in Damascus, saying authorities uncovered a simultaneous ISIS plot to target the shrine of Sayyida Zaynab (peace be upon her) in an attempt to fuel sectarian tensions and destabilize the country.

Deputy Interior Minister Major General Abdul Qader Tahan said ISIS used the period following political and security changes in Syria to reorganize its networks, acquire weapons and explosives, and shift its focus from armed groups to attacks against religious sites and communities.

According to the ministry, ISIS planned attacks targeting Christians and Shia Muslims, including the St. Elias Church bombing and an intended attack on the Sayyida Zaynab shrine. Authorities said the shrine operation was postponed due to heightened security measures, while the church attack was carried out after surveillance of the location.

The ministry said security forces have arrested around 1,300 ISIS members, including senior figures, dismantled 34 terrorist cells, and prevented several planned attacks against state institutions and public areas.

Officials said the group aimed to provoke division among Syrians by attacking places of worship, while authorities emphasized their commitment to protecting all citizens, religious communities, and places of worship.

Survivors and families of victims of the church bombing called for justice and stressed the importance of preserving coexistence and rejecting attempts to spread sectarian conflict.