Christian village attacked in Syria
An argument between young people from the from the Christian village of Al-Suqaylabiyah and the neighbouring village of Al-Qalaa led to terror which could have ended with tragedy.
Pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has received reports of a violent incident in the predominantly Christian town of Al-Suqaylabiyah, in rural Hama, during which an Orthodox priest narrowly escaped being shot.
According to local sources in direct contact with ACN, violence broke out on the night of 3 October following an altercation between young people from the Christian village of Al-Suqaylabiyah and the neighbouring Muslim village of Al-Qalaa.
The dispute subsequently escalated, with armed men from the neighbouring Sunni-majority village allegedly entering Al-Suqaylabiyah, firing at houses and damaging property.
The Orthodox priest, who for security reasons will not be named, was also caught up in the violence. The priest, who is a project partner of ACN, told the charity that shots were fired at him and at his vehicle. A bullet narrowly missed him, but fortunately he was not injured.
In a message issued following the incident, a second Orthodox priest from Al-Suqaylabiyah, Father Fadi Sankari, appealed for calm and unity and called for the protection of the local population.
“No one has the right to enter your homes or threaten your safety and dignity,” he said.
Father Sankari called for “security, justice and accountability—not vendettas”, while at the same time urging the Christian community not to allow itself to be drawn into further violence.
“Be brave yet wise; stand united but do not be drawn into violence. Spilled blood restores no homes and secures no future.”
This is the second violent incident in Al-Suqaylabiyah in just over six months. Towards the end of March, following a similar altercation, a group of men entered the village at night and attacked shops, businesses and people.
Security forces were eventually called in and order was restored.
ACN continues to follow the situation closely through its local partners and asks for prayers for Syria.
