Christians within the Syrian capital of Damascus have formed patrol groups to be able to protect their community and places of spiritual importance in what’s becoming an increasingly tense atmosphere.
Late last 12 months the repressive, but secular regime of Bashar al-Assad was toppled by the Islamist group HTS, an offshoot of al-Qaeda. Despite its dubious origins, HTS has to this point publicly indicated that it wishes to manipulate in an “inclusive” way that doesn’t penalise minority groups.
Despite this, public rhetoric serious concerns remain. Two weeks ago, tons of of individuals from the Alawite community – to which Assad belonged and which represents his most ardent supporters – were massacred.
There were false reports on social media that Christians were those being massacred. While some individual Christians were murdered in the times before the massacre in isolated incidents, anti-persecution organisations noted that reports of an anti-Christian massacre were each false and counter-productive to the well-being of the church in Syria.
Ambiguity stays nevertheless about who was chargeable for the massacre. While some sources suggest that HTS was behind the massacre, others would indicate that the massacre occurred because of HTS’ inability to regulate all of the armed groups which can be operating in Syria. Either way, it’s little doubt a difficult situation for minorities to be in.
It isn’t any surprise due to this fact that in Damascus a gaggle of Christians calling themselves “Eagles of Antioch” has emerged to police Christian neighbourhoods and act as a shield against radical Islamist elements.
Around 500 people, a few of them armed with permission from HTS, have volunteered for the group which provides nighttime patrols in Christian areas.
The group is meant to guard Christian shrines and businesses from vandalism, theft and attack from Islamist radicals. One of the catalysts for the formation of the group was the burning of a Christmas tree.
One member of the group, Daniel Georgios, told Fox News Digital, that the group is open to working with the HTS-led government to be able to provide security to the Christian community.
“We wish to be represented, and we not accept the concept of being marginalized or treated like second-class residents. We take a look at ourselves that we’re equal to the Muslim, the Alawite and each single Syrian citizen,” they said.
