Canonization of 11 Christians martyred in 1860

Pope Francis will canonize 11 Christians martyred by radical Muslims in 1860 for refusing to convert to Islam. The martyrs, known as the 'martyrs of Damascus,' were Franciscan missionaries and laymen living in Syria. The massacre occurred in Damascus, and thousands of Christians were killed. Pope Francis previously canonized a group of 813 'Martyrs of Otranto' in 2013.

Blast at Iranian Diplomatic Building in Damascus

Iran reports that a blast at an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus killed two generals and five officers from its Revolutionary Guard. Israel has not acknowledged the attack.

Airstrike in Damascus Kills IRGC Official Mohammad Reza Zahedi

Israel reportedly killed senior IRGC official Mohammad Reza Zahedi in an airstrike in Damascus, Syria, showing Israel's stance against threats from Iran and its proxies. The strike is reminiscent of the U.S. operation against Qasem Soleimani in 2020, which deterred further attacks on U.S. facilities. President Trump labeled IRGC a terrorist organization, a designation Biden has not removed.

Israeli airstrike in Damascus

Israeli airstrike in Damascus kills senior commander in Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps and several Iranian diplomats, tension rises between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah