Christmas Lights and Tightened Security in Damascus as City Mourns Saint Elias Attack

Christmas decorations glow across Damascus's Old City even as government forces and local volunteers patrol its lanes, highlighting deep security concerns among Syria's Christian community after a deadly mid-year attack.

Lingering Trauma After Saint Elias Attack

Residents still recall the June shooting and suicide bombing at the Saint Elias church in Damascus that left 25 people dead and dozens more wounded. "People are going home early, and are afraid," said Tala Shamoun, 26, a university student visiting a Christmas market with family and friends. While Damascus has also experienced robberies and kidnappings in recent years, many describe the church attack as the community's greatest tragedy.

Heightened Security Across The Old City

Interior Ministry and government forces have enforced a visible security plan across several districts of the capital. Officers searched pedestrians and stopped motorbikes near the Old City. At one main entrance, an armed security officer monitored a deployment map and coordinated with colleagues.

"We've put a security plan in place that includes several districts and areas in the capital, in order to ensure the safety of all citizens," an officer said on condition of anonymity. "It is the state's duty to protect all its people, Christian and Muslim, and today we are doing our duty to protect the churches and secure people's celebrations."

Community-Led Protection

Local neighbourhood committees have added another layer of protection: dozens of Christian volunteers, some unarmed and carrying walkie-talkies, stood guard in front of churches in coordination with security forces. Fuad Farhat, 55, who supervised volunteers in the Bab Touma district, said the extra measures help residents feel safer despite fears that festive crowds could heighten risks.

Celebration, Vigil And Grief

In the Old City, red baubles hang from trees, shopkeepers display Christmas decorations and street vendors sell roasted chestnuts. Near Saint Elias church, security forces used metal barriers to restrict entry while heavily armed personnel screened people entering services. Churchgoers lit a tree decorated with stars bearing the images of those killed in June and held vigils to remember the victims.

"Christmas this year is exceptional because of the pain and sorrow we went through," said housewife Abeer Hanna, 44. Nearby, Hanaa Masoud lit a candle for her husband Boutros Bashara and other relatives lost in the attack. "If we go to church and get blown up, where can we find safety?" she asked, choking back tears.

Wider Context

Syrian authorities blamed the Islamic State group for the Saint Elias attack; a small Sunni extremist group also claimed responsibility. An Islamist movement that emerged during the conflict has publicly restated its commitment to coexistence among Syria's religious groups and vowed to include all communities in any political transition. Earlier this year, however, parts of the country experienced sectarian violence and clashes, deepening communal fears.

Syria's Christian population is believed to have declined from about one million in 2011 to roughly 300,000 today, many having sought refuge abroad. Despite grief and anxiety, many residents — including young people like university student Loris Aasaf, 20 — voiced a desire for joy and hope: "Syria deserves joy and for us to be happy, and to hope for a new future," she said, adding that she hopes all communities will celebrate together again as the country rebuilds.