Christian persecution has risen sharply in Syria, which is now number six on the Open Doors World Watch List 2026. Why is persecution getting so bad, and what factors are in play?
VIDEO SCRIPT
The fall of Syria’s Assad regime in December 2024, was celebrated by many as the end of a long and oppressive dictatorship. However, many Syrians were also afraid of what could take its place.
Bishop Josef
There was a lot of fear, a lot of uncertainty about the future. Who these people, how would they govern the country.
Armed conflict between different parties has continued to take lives across the country, and food shortages and economic uncertainty have persisted.
Radical groups have taken advantage of the situation to target Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities. In June, 22 Christians were killed in an attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus, leaving 63 more wounded. In July, around 90 Christians near Suwayda had to flee their homes due to conflict between Druze and Bedouin fighters taking refuge in a church.
Pastor Tony
We ask all churches in the world to pray for the Christians of the South because many are oppressed, displaced and they have lost their homes.
The increase of violence has resulted in Syria rising from 18 to 6 on Open Doors World Watch List 2026. Hundreds of thousands of Christians had already fled Syria following the civil war.
This further violence leaves the country’s Christian population at risk of extinction.
Pastor Ibrahim
I am so afraid about the presence of Christians in Syria and in the Middle East in general.
But those who remain are determined to hold on to Jesus as Syria continues to rebuild.
Bishop Hanna
Jesus doesn’t say that we will be the majority. He says you are the salt and salt is what gives flavor to food. And we in Syria must also bring this flavor to a new life, into a new state that we will build.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Bishop Josef
Pastor Tony
Pastor Ibrahim
Bishop Hanna
Recording Location
Syria
Organization featured in this Story
Open Doors UK – www.opendoorsuk.org
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