Syrian Christians Face Uncertain Future Under Islamist Rule, Forming Defense Groups Amidst Violence
The escalating violence and killings in Syria under the new Islamist regime led by Ahmed al-Sharaa are causing deep concern within the country’s Christian community. Many Syrian Christians are fearful for their future, prompting some to take matters into their own hands to protect their communities and religious identity.
Jeff King, the president of International Christian Concern (ICC), expressed grave concerns about the situation, stating that it has reached a "critical threshold" and that Christians are "teetering on the edge of catastrophe." He warned of a "jihadist storm" descending upon them and questioned how long their faith could endure under such circumstances.
While organizations like ICC have been providing aid to persecuted Christians in Syria and across the globe for years, a local group of Syrian Christians in Damascus, known as the "Eagles of Antioch," has emerged to defend their communities following the fall of former Syrian dictator Bashar Al Assad. This group’s formation highlights the growing sense of vulnerability and the need for self-protection among Christians in the region.
The importance of the Eagles of Antioch has become even more pronounced in the wake of recent attacks by Islamic extremists that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of members of the minority Alawite community, as well as several Christians who were specifically targeted for their faith. These attacks underscore the dangers faced by religious minorities in Syria and the urgent need for their protection.
The Eagles of Antioch comprises approximately 500 volunteers operating within three primarily Christian neighborhoods in Damascus. They patrol the streets from dusk till dawn, providing security and guarding Christian shrines from potential attacks. Danial Georgios, a construction engineer residing in Damascus and a member of the Eagles of Antioch, explained to Fox News Digital that the group aims to fill the security vacuum until tensions subside.
Georgios emphasized the desire for equal representation and treatment, stating, "We no longer accept the idea of being marginalized or treated like a second-class citizen. We look at ourselves that we are equal to the Muslim, the Alawite, and every single Syrian citizen." This statement reflects the growing demand among Syrian Christians for recognition and equal rights within the country’s evolving political landscape.
The group’s name, "Eagles of Antioch," reflects their strong connection to the ancient city of Antioch, a significant center of early Christianity and the seat of the Antiochian Patriarchate. The members of the Eagles of Antioch hail from three major Christian denominations: Antiochian Greek Orthodox, Antiochian Melkite Catholics, and Antiochian Syriac Orthodox, signifying a unified effort across different Christian traditions to protect their shared heritage and community.
Members of the Eagles of Antioch actively patrol their neighborhoods, safeguarding Christian holy sites, including shrines, symbols, and churches. In cases where a site is damaged or vandalized, the group takes responsibility for repairs, seeking to prevent any escalation of sectarian conflict between the Christian community and their Sunni neighbors. This proactive approach demonstrates their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony within their communities.
The Eagles of Antioch advocate for a system based on strong municipalities, or extreme local governance, enabling Christians across Syria to manage their own affairs and celebrate their religious festivals without fear of persecution. This vision reflects a desire for greater autonomy and self-determination within a decentralized political framework.
Since its inception, the Eagles of Antioch claim to have successfully protected liquor stores, churches, shrines, and residences from theft and vandalism. This track record demonstrates the tangible impact of their efforts in enhancing security and protecting Christian properties within their areas of operation.
Georgios and his fellow Christians were spurred into action following an incident in December, when a Christmas tree was set ablaze in Al-Sqailbiyyah, located just outside Hama. Georgios attributed the vandalism to radical jihadists. In response, he and other Christians organized a large peaceful protest in Damascus, calling for equal rights for all Syrians.
Georgios asserted that the group’s actions are coordinated with the HTS government and do not challenge the sovereignty of Syria or its rule. He even stated that the group would be open to joining state-sponsored local police forces under the authority of HTS if the political transition continues.
Despite reports and accusations of HTS members targeting Christians, Georgios maintained that such attacks are typically carried out by foreign factions or radical elements and are not sanctioned by the government. He claimed that HTS is actively trying to avoid clashes with Christians and that Christians are trying to support stability.
HTS had initially pledged not to target religious minorities during their takeover of Damascus and assured the communities under their control that they would be allowed to coexist peacefully without being targeted for their faith.
However, Jeff King of ICC remains skeptical. He pointed to the violence in Latakia and Tartous in early March, which resulted in over 1,540 deaths, predominantly civilians, including several Christians. King stated that while HTS has not yet implemented an official anti-Christian policy, certain factions and individual fighters are already targeting Christians with violence.
King also highlighted the interim Syrian constitution, which designates Islam as the religion of the President and Islamic jurisprudence as the principal source of legislation. He noted that this language is slightly more explicit than the previous constitution. While the interim constitution also guarantees protection "for all divine religions," ICC suggests that this might not be enough to protect Christians.
The Eagles of Antioch, however, claim to coordinate closely with HTS in Damascus and benefit from the presence of educated HTS fighters in the city. According to Georgios, this collaboration ensures that Islamic rules are not imposed on Christian neighborhoods. Together with HTS police, they work to prevent crimes, maintaining security and harmony within these communities. Some of the volunteers even possess weapons that are licensed and sanctioned by HTS officials.
Despite these positive signs, King warned that Syria’s Christian population has already significantly declined, falling from 1.5 million before the conflict to between 300,000 and 500,000 now. He said that the community lives in a state of perpetual anxiety, waiting for the situation to worsen further.
The situation for Syrian Christians remains precarious, caught between promises of protection and reports of ongoing violence. The emergence of groups like the Eagles of Antioch reflects a growing need for self-defense and a desire for greater autonomy within a country grappling with political transition and ongoing conflict. The future of Christianity in Syria hinges on the ability of these communities to navigate the complex political landscape and secure their rights and safety amidst the ongoing turmoil.
