International humanitarian groups and Christian leaders are calling for urgent action to end the bloodshed, as fears grow over escalating sectarian tensions.
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Syria’s coastal region was plunged into one of the deadliest episodes of violence in recent years, with reports of indiscriminate killings leaving hundreds dead. International humanitarian groups and Christian leaders are calling for urgent action to end the bloodshed, as fears grow over escalating sectarian tensions.
Massacres in Latakia and Banias
According to sources close to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the violence erupted last Friday in Tartus, Banias, Jabla, and Latakia, where more than 600 civilians — including women, children, and medical professionals — were killed. The attacks reportedly followed an ambush by Alawite militants that left around 20 members of Syria’s new security forces dead. In retaliation, civilians from Alawite-majority areas were targeted.
Among the victims were members of Syria’s Christian communities. In Latakia, a father and son from an evangelical church were killed after being stopped in their car. In Banias, the father of a priest was among those murdered. Looting was also widespread, forcing Christian families in some areas to seek refuge with Sunni neighbors. In Belma, a predominantly Christian village with an elderly population, homes were raided, and residents endured two days of fear.
Church leaders urge action
In response, Syrian Christian leaders have issued strong condemnations of the violence. As reported by CNA, Bishop Hanna of the Latin Catholic community released a statement on March 9 calling on authorities to act swiftly. “We reject all forms of violence, revenge, and retaliation on sectarian and religious grounds,” the statement read, urging the government to restore order and prevent further attacks on civilians.
Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X also addressed the crisis during his Sunday of Orthodoxy homily at the Mariamite Cathedral in Damascus. CNA explains that the Patriarch warned that the attacks were fueling sectarian divisions and called on President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to take immediate steps to restore security. He also condemned reports of looting and the destruction of religious symbols, including an icon of the Virgin Mary in Banias.
“This is not the Syria we want after years of war,” he said. “We call upon the authorities to put an end to these killings and to ensure the protection of all Syrians, regardless of their background.”
Political and humanitarian concerns grow
The outbreak of violence has raised alarm among international observers, with concerns that Syria’s fragile stability could further deteriorate. The crisis comes amid growing uncertainty following the rise of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a militant group that has expanded its influence in parts of the country, increasing pressure on minority communities.
President Al-Sharaa has vowed to hold those responsible for the civilian deaths accountable and has promised measures to restore security. However, with the violence still unfolding, Christian leaders and humanitarian organizations continue to call for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life.
Regina Lynch, Executive President of Aid to the Church in Need, issued an appeal for solidarity, stating: “Syria has suffered too much. Now is the time for peace, and for the international community to stand against violence targeting innocent civilians.”
As Syria faces another wave of uncertainty, questions remain over whether its leadership can contain the violence and prevent the country from further sliding into sectarian conflict.
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