SYRIA | JAN. 01, 2025 — Islamist Takeover Worries Local Christians
SYRIA — Islamist Takeover Worries Local Christians
Christians used make up around 10% of Syria’s population, but many have fled in recent years due to war and persecution.
On Sunday, December 1, 2024, the Syrian city of Aleppo was suddenly attacked and captured by Islamist militias.
One week later, the rebel groups succeeded in taking over the capital city, Damascus, when the Syrian government and military collapsed and its leader, Bashar al-Assad, fled. The jihadist groups have been fighting the Syrian government for more than a decade, and Christians are concerned that they may soon become targets. “The situation is still unclear,” said a front-line worker, who added that, so far, Christians and churches have not been specifically threatened, and some have even held services. During the past 10 years, many Christians have fled Syria because of fighting, economic hardships and direct attacks on Christians. Aleppo is the second largest city in the country and home to around 25,000 Christians.