Christians in Sweida, Syria Seek Refuge in Churches to Protect Their Lives

Christians in Sweida, Syria have taken refuge in churches to protect their lives following deadly clashes between Islamist extremists.

According to published reports, violent clashes between Druze fighters and radical Islamists in Syria’s Sweida province have forced Christians in the region to seek refuge in churches to protect themselves and avoid the violence.

The clashes have resulted in the deaths of civilians, including a Christian family. The Syrian Orthodox Church has issued a statement following these clashes, calling on the international community to intervene to stop the deadly violence.

Disturbing reports have emerged from the clashes regarding the death of “Khaled Mazher,” a pastor of an evangelical church, along with 20 members of his family. Juliet Amor, a member of the Christian organization Open Doors in Syria, wrote about this shocking incident: “When they were hiding in their home, they became targets of Islamist gunfire and were all killed.”

Amor emphasized in her message that Khaled and his family had converted to Christ years ago, but their murder was due to Mazher’s family background rather than his Christian faith. Juliet also added: “I don’t think the Islamic terrorist group was aware of this matter.”

Juliet Amor described the dire humanitarian situation in the region: “All roads leading to the city are blocked and entry is unsafe. Virtually all Christians have taken refuge in churches because it is safer there than in the city.” She quoted a local priest who had sheltered dozens of displaced Christian families: “About 80 people are living in the church building without water or food. We are Christians, we are not armed, and our only wish is peace and to return safely to our homes.”

The Bishopric of “Hauran and Jabal al-Arab” also issued a statement in response to these clashes, describing the mentioned war as “barbaric” and calling for swift international intervention to stop the terrorist massacres in Sweida. The statement also noted that this violence is claiming the lives of both the elderly and the young, therefore appealing to the world to pray that these cries reach all corners of the world.