Syrian Christian Town Calls for Protection After Gunmen Open Fire on Homes, Priest’s Vehicle

The residents of a predominantly Christian town in central Syria are calling for stronger security and accountability after armed men reportedly opened fire on homes and a priest’s vehicle earlier this month, renewing concerns about sectarian violence in the region.

The Oct. 3 attack in Al-Suqaylabiyah followed a confrontation involving young men from the town and the neighboring Sunni-majority community of Al-Qalaa, also known as Qalaat al-Madiq, according to International Christian Concern (ICC).

The dispute reportedly began near a local shop before escalating later that evening when armed men entered Al-Suqaylabiyah. Witness accounts cited by Christian advocacy organizations indicate that gunfire struck residential and commercial properties, while a priest narrowly escaped injury.

Aid to the Church in Need reported Oct. 7 that an Orthodox priest told the organization that shots were fired toward him and his vehicle. A bullet reportedly passed close to the priest, who escaped unharmed. The organization withheld his identity for security reasons.

Open Doors, an international Christian advocacy organization, reported that gunfire also targeted a church center where residents had taken shelter. According to the organization, people inside hid as armed individuals approached and fired shots into the air.

Syrian security forces responded to the unrest and arrested several people, according to The National, which cited state television and local residents. Syrian state media described the initial confrontation as a dispute between young men and reported that security forces had restored order to the area.

ICC reported on Saturday that authorities also detained two Christian men who were released two days later. No immediate fatalities were reported in connection with the Oct. 3 attack.

The violence follows earlier disturbances in Al-Suqaylabiyah, including a March attack involving armed men and damage to businesses and residential property. Open Doors also documented a September incident involving break-ins at homes and vehicles.

Father Fadi Sankari, a Greek Orthodox parish priest in the town, urged residents to avoid retaliation while calling on authorities to protect civilians and hold those responsible accountable.

“We are people of hope, and we will remain united,” Sankari said in remarks published by Open Doors.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide also condemned the attack and urged Syrian authorities to do more to protect religious minorities. The organization's founder and president, Mervyn Thomas, urged international attention to the protection of vulnerable religious communities, according to ICC.

The National reported that Al-Suqaylabiyah, located in Syria's Hama province, has approximately 16,000 residents, most of whom are Greek Orthodox Christians. The publication noted that tensions with neighboring communities have persisted following the collapse of former President Bashar Assad's government in December 2024.

The latest violence comes amid broader concerns about religious minorities in Syria. A May report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom documented attacks affecting several religious communities and highlighted the challenges facing the country's transitional authorities.

For residents of Al-Suqaylabiyah, the renewed violence has intensified demands for lasting protection rather than temporary assurances.

“We hope this time to be the last time, but reality shows that each attack is worse than the previous,” one Christian resident told Open Doors.

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Photo: 林高志 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

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