A planned attack on a church in Tartus, western Syria, was foiled by a successful counter-terrorism operation, according to the government in Damascus.
Syria’s Interior Ministry announced on 6 August that two men had been arrested “en route to carry out a terrorist operation”.
The men – Ramzi Hamoud and Mundhir Ali – were found carrying an explosive device, a black flag, and papers containing threatening messages.
One of the men arrested on their way to bomb a church in Tartus, western Syria [Image credit: Syrian Ministry of the Interior]
According to the Syrian government, the two men were loyalists to former President Bashar al- Assad, who were pretending to be members of Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh). Their aim was reportedly to stir up further sectarian tensions. This remains unverified.
The current government of Syria, headed by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, came to power in December 2024 following a successful armed rebellion.
Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, is the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organisation that was formerly affiliated to Al Qaeda. More recently, al-Sharaa has sought to present himself as a moderate.
The announcement comes just a few weeks after a suicide bombing in Damascus that left at least 25 worshippers dead.
In July a pastor was among a group of at least 12 (and possibly as many as 20) Christians killed in southern Syria by Islamists loyal to the government in Damascus.
How you can pray
Thank the Lord that the church in Tartus was spared from attack. Ask the Lord to protect His people throughout Syria at a time when they face many dangers and threats. Pray that there will be peace in this troubled land.
