Syrian Islamists are viciously slaughtering the Christian population.
Revamped Article:
Hellish Attacks on Syrian Minorities: A Dangerous Resurgence of Extremism
Getty Images
Mike Jones
26th June 2025 Getty Images
Politics | World 🔽Support us
Over the weekend, a suicide bombing ripped through a church in Damascus, claiming the lives of at least 25 Christians and leaving over 60 severely injured. This tragic event marks a dark reminder for Syria's embattled religious minorities that their struggles persist, even as the Assad regime crumbles.
It remains uncertain who orchestrated this heinous act, with Syrian officials pointing fingers at Islamic State (ISIS) resurfacing through sleeper cells[4][5]. However, the barbarous method and target spotlight a longstanding pattern of jihadist violence against Syria's religious minorities. Apart from the church bombing, other planned assaults on Shiite shrines and public spaces were thwarted[4][5].
The carnage in Damascus echoes memories of ISIS's self-proclaimed caliphate that ruled parts of Syria and Iraq from 2014 to 2019. Back then, Christianity was threatened with inhumane ultimatums – convert to Islam, pay a punitive tax, flee, or face execution. Churches were demolished, crosses were obliterated, and clergy were murdered. Cities like Raqqa saw countless Christians either forced to convert or tormented, kidnapped, or killed[4][5].
Yazidi women faced unspeakable horrors, with widespread rape, enslavement, and ethnic cleansing at the hands of ISIS. Shiite Muslims, Druze, and Ismailis were branded heretics and hunted[4][5]. ISIS reveled in their barbarous genocide, recording their atrocities to transform them into twisted propaganda. Despite ISIS supposedly being defeated, its pernicious ideology still lures extremists, casting a toxic shadow over Syria.
Many media outlets and the United Nations have labeled the attacks on Christians and other religious minorities in Syria as 'sectarian violence.' However, this terminology is flawed, misleading the public and obscuring the true nature of events.
Stay informed, stay involved. 🔽Support us
In March 28, 2025, coordinated attacks targeted Alawite communities, including Tartous and Latakia. The bloodshed left scores dead and instilled fear among Christian coastal communities[2]. The bombings were seen as an omen, serving as a test run for extremist groups to gauge the resistance of Syria's new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. Yet after the Damascus church bombing, the UN's envoy for Syria, Geir Pederson, referred to it as a result of general instability, even calling for 'restraint' from all parties[2].
To clarify, the current situation involves the deliberate targeting of various religious minorities in Syria, such as Christians, Druze, Ismailis, Yazidis, Alawites, and Shiites, by violent Islamic factions. Labeling it as 'sectarian violence' grossly oversimplifies the situation, as religious minorities are victims, not aggressors, and have no reason to show restraint.
Dive deeper. 🔽Support us
Shortly after the Damascus bombing, Syrians took to the streets, peacefully spreading messages of unity and solidarity with the Christian community. They chanted slogans like 'Keep your cross held high,' 'Raise your cross to the highest,' and 'The blood of Christians is precious.' One bereaved woman, who lost eight family members in the attack, told reporters, 'We love everyone, yet we hope they love us in return'[2][3].
However, evidence of reciprocated love from the predominantly Islamist society remains scant. The new government, led by al-Sharaa, has been heavily tainted by its hardline Islamic background. His questionable ability or willingness to protect religious minorities has been on full display. It falls upon neighborhood militias and emergency patrols to fill the security void[3]. This patchwork defense measure proves inadequate against terrorists who slip into churches and detonate explosives Trustpilot Team
The impending extinction of Syria's Christian presence represents a tragic humanitarian loss and the disappearance of one of the longest-standing expressions of the Christian faith, which dates back to the first century AD[3]. The Apostle Paul's conversion took place on the roads to Damascus, while the first Christians were named 'Christians' in nearby Antioch. Towns like Aleppo, Homs, and Maaloula once sheltered flourishing Christian communities long before most of Europe was evangelized[3].
Facing ongoing threats, persecution, and economic collapse, thousands of Syrian Christians have become desperate to escape – not out of animosity towards the country, but out of sheer necessity[3]. Precious little protection ensures that Christianity in Syria risks becoming a distant memory, leaving ancient churches as mere, forgotten monuments.
If the international community refuses to label the ideology behind these violent attacks, or to distinguish victims from perpetrators, then Syria's diversity will wither away. This is not a simple outbreak of sectarian strife. This is blatant persecution.
Kelsey Zorzi is the Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International, a renowned international human-rights lawyer. Follow Kelsey's work on X at @KelseyZorzi.
Join the dialogue. 🔽Support us
Stand with the truth. 🔽Support us
Remember, to continue enjoying ad-free reading, exclusive events, and access to our comments section, become a supporter today!
References:1. Syria Church Bombing: Islamic State Suspected, but Group Has Not Claimed Responsibility2. Attacks on Alawite-majority towns of Tartous and Latakia, Syria3. Syria: Most Vulnerable Communities Risk Erasure if Violence Continues4. Christians decimated by Islamic State in Syria5. The Islamic State is back. Now is the chance to prevent genocide in Syria
- In the ongoing struggle against extremism in Syria, it's concerning to see a resurgence of cancel culture, where certain violent Islamic factions escape accountability due to inaccurate labeling of events as 'sectarian violence.'
- As the international community grapples with understanding the resurgence of extremist groups like ISIS, it's crucial to encourage free speech and open dialogue about the persecution faced by religious minorities, such as Christians, Druze, Ismailis, Yazidis, Alawites, and Shiites.
- Amidst the chaos of Syria's general-news landscape, it's essential to advocate for political change that protects religious freedoms and strengthens the voices of those who face persecution due to their beliefs, seeking a just and peaceful future for all.
