Christian village in Syria, Al-Suqaylabiyah in rural Hama, experienced an outbreak of terror on the night of 3 October following an altercation between local youth and young people from the neighbouring Muslim village of Al-Qalaa. The dispute escalated when armed men from Sunni-majority Al-Qalaa entered Al-Suqaylabiyah, firing at residential houses and damaging property. During the violence, an Orthodox priest and project partner of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)—whose identity is withheld for security reasons—narrowly escaped injury after bullets were fired directly at him and his vehicle.
Calls for calm and recurring attacks in the Christian village in Syria
In a message issued after the incident, Father Fadi Sankari, a second Orthodox priest from Al-Suqaylabiyah, appealed for calm, unity, and protection for the local population:
“No one has the right to enter your homes or threaten your safety and dignity”.
“Be brave yet wise; stand united but do not be drawn into violence. Spilled blood restores no homes and secures no future”.
Father Sankari called for security, justice, and accountability rather than vendettas, urging the Christian community to refrain from further escalation. This marks the second violent outbreak in Al-Suqaylabiyah in just over six months; in late March, a similar altercation led to a night raid on local shops, businesses, and residents before security forces intervened to restore order. ACN continues to monitor the situation through its local partners while requesting prayers for Syria.
