The Assad Regime Turns Churches into Military Barracks

Press Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

November 22, 2013

The Assad regime’s deliberate attempts to destroy the Syrian people’s cultural and religious heritage, and to foment sectarian strife, continue as it fills the ancient Cherubim Monastery in the city of Saidnaya, north of the capital Damascus, with heavy weaponry. It has turned the monastery into a base from where its forces launch operations and shell surrounding areas.

The local council in the city of Rankus warned the Syrian Coalition of the gravity of the situation after many civilians died, and after Orthodox ecclesiastical authorities in the Qalamoun area were forced to turn a blind eye to these practices.

The Syrian Coalition urges Christian authorities around the world to voice their rejection of this behavior. It expresses deep concern about the possibility that Assad’ forces are planning to use the people of Saidnaya as human shields after having destroyed their homes and used their holy places as military bases.

Assad's tyrannical regime has destroyed nearly 3000 mosques and dozens of churches, while trying to crush the Syrian people’s popular uprising. The international community must stop the Assad regime from violating the sanctity of Christian and Islamic holy places. It must hold it accountable for crimes against humanity and war crimes against the Syrian people.

We ask for Mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our detainees.

Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.