This is just the latest cross that the Christians of Syria must bear; they have been suffering for their faith for years now, and there has been no respite for them. In recent years many Orthodox Christians and other Christians have been driven from their homes, forcibly converted, otherwise persecuted, and even killed by ISIS. Despite the setbacks that both groups have suffered, al-Qaeda and ISIS remain active in Syria. A recent UN report reveals that ISIS is resurgent and ready for war. Please continue to pray for the vulnerable and threatened Christians of Syria.
“Car Bomb Strikes Syrian Christian Church,” International Christian Concern, July 11, 2019:
07/11/19 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on July 11, 2019, a car bomb exploded next to the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in the Syrian city of Qamishli.
The Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights wrote in a statement, “[A] terrorism incident took place this afternoon… the attack was by a car bombing in front of St. Mary’s Church for the Orthodox and the majority there (the neighborhood) are Christian. The incident resulted in civilian injuries and the destruction of buildings for the church and other surroundings.”
Although reports vary regarding the number of causalities and injuries from the explosion, most report that between seven and 11 Christians were either killed or injured. Photos of the attack show substantial material damage from both the immediate explosion and a large fire which spread throughout the street. The church and surrounding buildings were all damaged.
No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the city has been targeted on a number of occasions as a consequence of both the Syrian Civil War and activities by the Islamic State (ISIS)….
One Syrian Christian shared with ICC how his “children believe that staying out of Syria is better because they have nothing now and no future for them.”
Another added, “Our children are oppressed. They prefer to stay away from the problems and the risk. [My husband] and I do not prefer to return.”
Qamishli Christians maintained a stronger presence in this city throughout the conflict compared to other locations. However, this attack underscores just how volatile Syria remains and the detrimental impact on the nation’s Christians. “We hope that this evil ends as soon as possible,” said one Orthodox Christian….
