Christian village attacked in Syria

Armed men from the neighboring Sunni-majority village of Al-Qalaa allegedly entered the predominantly Christian town of Al-Suqaylabiyah in rural Hama on the night of October 3. According to reports received by Aid to the Church in Need, the violence followed an altercation between young people from Al-Suqaylabiyah and those from Al-Qalaa.

The attackers reportedly fired at houses and damaged property during the incident. An Orthodox priest, who works with Aid to the Church in Need, told the charity that shots were fired at his vehicle and that a bullet narrowly missed him. He was not injured.

Father Fadi Sankari, another Orthodox priest from Al-Suqaylabiyah, appealed for calm and unity following the attack. He called for security, justice, and accountability while urging the Christian community to remain united and avoid further violence.