Syrian fighters by Mohammad Bash / Shutterstock.com
In Syria’s Suwayda province, Christian communities are taking shelter in churches as armed conflict intensifies between Muslim Bedouin tribal forces and Druze militias, according to a July 22 report from Premier Christian News.
The conflict, rooted in longstanding political grievances and tribal rivalries, has intensified to the point where major roads are now impassable, cutting off supplies and forcing civilians to flee their homes, according to the outlet. As the violence continues and access to the region remains restricted, many Christians are turning to sacred spaces for refuge.
“Almost all the Christians are hiding in churches because it’s safer than the city,” Juliette Amor, a local aid worker affiliated with the Christian persecution watchdog Open Doors, told Premier Christian News.
Much of the recent violence has targeted Druze civilians, according to the Associated Press, with armed Bedouin groups launching deadly raids on homes and villages. Witnesses say entire families have been abducted or executed, and several Druze leaders accuse the Syrian regime of either allowing or supporting the attacks.
Among the recent casualties is Khalid Mezher, who, along with his wife and daughter, converted to Christianity from the Druze faith. The three were killed in their home during the current unrest, Premier Christian News reported.
“They were killed while hiding in their house from the shooting. An armed group entered and killed them all,” Amor recounted.
Amor said Mezher had been quietly active in the Christian community, often joining small prayer gatherings in people’s homes. Amor described him as someone who served others and encouraged their faith.
“They used to pray in houses,” she said, “and I believe Khalid helped many people hear God’s word and come to believe in Jesus.”
She said that they were killed because of their tribal background, not their Christian faith; the attackers likely did not know of his faith.
Amor recalled speaking to a priest in the Suwayda countryside who is currently housing around 80 displaced individuals in a church hall without food, water, or clean clothing. The surrounding areas are without water as well.
“We are Christians. We are not armed,” she recounted the priest telling her. “We live in peace. We just want peace. We just want to return to our homes safely.”
