Syria’s Christians Suffer As Thousands Flee Clashes; Several Killed

Syria’s Christians Suffer As Thousands Flee Clashes; Several Killed

Stefan J. Bos

There was mounting concern Thursday about the plight of Christians still staying in war-torn Syria after fighting escalated in the northern city of Aleppo, killing several people and prompting tens of thousands to flee their homes.

Syrian authorities warned civilians to leave a contested area in Aleppo on Thursday and opened a corridor for them to evacuate for a second day as clashes continued between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

“Fighting between Kurdish forces and the Syrian army has escalated. Neighborhoods are being shelled. People are fleeing, often with nothing,” said Christian charity and advocacy group Open Doors.

“Christians from the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo have also been forced to leave their homes. Some have fled to family, others have found shelter in churches in safer areas,” the group added.

“Most came with nothing at all,” Open Doors quoted a local partner as saying. “A local Open Doors partner is helping one of these churches with financial support for food and blankets.” The group urged supporters to pray “for the violence to stop, for protection of civilians and Christians in Aleppo, and for peace and wisdom for all parties involved.”

Footage obtained by Worthy News appeared to show an exodus of people on foot leaving the area.

On Thursday, the government of Aleppo province gave residents until 1 p.m. local time to evacuate in coordination with the army. State news agency SANA, citing the military, said forces would begin “targeted operations” against the SDF in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, Achrafieh, and Bani Zaid shortly after the deadline.

Christian aid workers warn the fighting is especially dangerous for Christians, who form a small and vulnerable minority often caught between rival forces.

Churches and Christian homes are concentrated near contested neighborhoods, and renewed shelling revives traumatic memories for local Christians who were targeted by Islamic extremists, displaced en masse, or forced to flee abroad.

Aid workers say repeated displacement is exhausting families’ ability to cope and threatens the long-term survival of already dwindling Christian communities in the city and the country.

Many have fled to Lebanon, Europe, or North America, while those who stayed face ongoing insecurity, economic collapse, and renewed outbreaks of violence such as the fighting now unfolding in Aleppo.

The Open Doors World Watch List for 2025, Syria ranks among the world’s top 20 most dangerous countries for Christians, reflecting ongoing violence, instability, and pressure on religious minorities.