Syria: Muslims warn of taking over Christian lands and demand that some Christians either vacate their homes or face death

Image: Jihad Watch

Since the shift in ruling powers in Syria, the Christians of Maaloula have faced heightened existential anxiety, exacerbated by a recent conflict between Christian and Muslim families. What exactly happened, and what is the current state of Christians in this historic Christian town?

A church source, speaking to "ACI MENA" on condition of anonymity, revealed that following the Syrian regime under former President Bashar al-Assad reclaiming Maaloula approximately a decade ago, some Muslim residents were barred from returning due to their alleged collaboration with the Al-Nusra Front in acts of violence, including killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of Christian property and churches. However, after the regime's fall, these individuals returned, accusing Christians of facilitating their displacement.

The source explained: “Some returnees caused disturbances, viewing Christians as aligned with the previous regime, despite many Christians rejoicing at its downfall. Most of our youth have emigrated, driven by mandatory military service or reserve duty demands.”

On the issue of harassment, the source added: “Five Christian families received threats to vacate their agricultural lands. Some were ordered to leave their homes and the town under threat of death, either due to old vendettas or accusations of joining the ‘National Defense.’”

These threats materialized when the house of Bashar Shahin, his family’s home, and a cafeteria he owned were seized. Although some Muslims intervened in his defense, Shahin was only permitted to retrieve his belongings. In addition, two other Christian homes were broken into and looted. Harassment has also taken other forms, including gunfire near a priest distributing Christmas gifts to children and Christians reporting incidents of being spat upon.

The source further noted that Maaloula is currently under the control of a member of the Turkish Suleiman Shah faction (named after the grandfather of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire). This has led local residents and church officials to appeal to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham for intervention.

“Christians in Maaloula no longer feel secure,” the source stated. “With the absence of the state, security has vanished, and Christians have been disarmed while others retain weapons. We are advocates of peace and aspire to rebuild Maaloula collaboratively with all its residents.”

The tension escalated significantly on December 26, when Abdul Salam Diab and his father attempted to steal from Ghassan Zakhem’s farm, resulting in Abdul Salam’s death. Although this was an isolated incident, it was portrayed as a religious conflict, with claims that Christians were targeting Muslims.

The source emphasized that the incident prompted many Christian families to leave the town due to a lack of protection. Out of approximately 325 Christian families, around 80 have left. Furthermore, four Christian homes belonging to Zakhem’s relatives were seized.

Providing details about the December 26 events, another source from the Christian community in Maaloula explained to "ACI MENA": “Before Christmas, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham members encouraged Christians to decorate their homes to avoid any trouble, but tensions persisted.”

He continued: “Surveillance cameras on Ghassan Zakhem’s farm recorded masked individuals breaking the gate lock. Ghassan and his son Sarkis rushed to the scene, requesting assistance from local security committees, who failed to show despite promises.”

Upon arrival, an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in Abdul Salam’s death. To prevent further strife, Ghassan surrendered to Father Fadi Al-Barkil, who then handed him over to authorities in Damascus.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)