Erdoğan reacts to attack in Damascus: 'We stand with Syria'

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a statement regarding the church attack in the Syrian capital, Damascus. "I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to the Syrian government and its people," said Erdoğan, adding, "We will not allow Syria to be dragged into a new environment of instability by proxy terrorist organizations. We will continue to support Syria's fight against terrorism," he stated. 

Condemning the attack, Erdoğan said, "I extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the attack, as well as to the Syrian government and its people, and I wish a speedy recovery to the wounded," he said. 

I condemn the heinous terrorist attack carried out against the Mar Elias Church in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

I extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the attack, as well as to the Syrian government and its people, and I wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.…

— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) June 23, 2025

Erdoğan continued his message as follows:

"We stand with the people and government of Syria in the face of this despicable terrorist act that targets Syria's peace and security, its internal harmony, its culture of coexistence, and the stability of our region.

We will never allow our neighbor and brother, Syria—which is looking to its future with hope for the first time after years of oppression and conflict—to be dragged into a new environment of instability by proxy terrorist organizations.

We will continue to support the Syrian government's fight against terrorism."