New Wave of Sectarian Violence Targets Syrian Christians and Minorities

New Wave of Sectarian Violence Targets Syrian Christians and Minorities
————————————
A surge of sectarian violence in Syria’s southern district of Sweida has led to devastating attacks on Christian, Druze, and Alawite communities, primarily perpetrated by Islamist jihadists, OSV News reported. The unrest, escalating in mid-July 2025, resulted in deaths, injuries, and widespread destruction of homes and churches.

The Greek Melkite Church of St. Michael in the village of Al-Sura was set ablaze by unknown assailants, confirmed by witness reports and social media images. In addition, 38 Christian homes were destroyed by fire, forcing around 70 people to seek refuge in a church hall in Shahba under precarious conditions.

The Druze community, deeply affected by the violence, has suffered over 600 deaths, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Islamist militants view the Druze as heretics due to their unique religious beliefs. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat el-Hijri has resisted Syrian government forces’ entry into Sweida and called for international protection, implicitly seeking Israeli support.

Security forces near Tartus thwarted a bombing attempt on the Maronite church of Mar Elias, arresting three suspects. These incidents follow a suicide bombing in June at the Orthodox Church of St. Elias in Damascus that killed over 25 people.

Syriac Catholic Archbishop Jacques Mourad condemned the violence and blamed the current Syrian leadership for failing to protect all communities. Despite fears, local Christian leaders affirm their commitment to remain in Syria and stand in solidarity with affected minorities.