The region is controlled by a party of Islamist militias, which are part of the Syrian National Army –  supported by Qatar and Turkey. Commander Abou Jammo – the leader of Jaysh Al-Sharqya – ordered his army to seize the land from the Christians. Farmers are compelled to pay high taxes on lands, which have increased from 20% to 35%. 

A local tribal leader denounced the action, emphasizing all the great contributions Christian farmers have made to the community: “We are concerned that the remaining Christians will be forced to leave, which would be a big loss for us all.” Christian farmers provided enormous help to improve local education, agriculture and healthcare.

Ayman Abdelnour – a Syrian Christian politician and spokesperson for the Syrian Christians for Rights & Dialogue – expressed his concerns about the continuous violations: “These criminal groups have been oppressing and terrorizing local communities from all religious and ethnic backgrounds. Some of their violations amount to crimes against humanity. The international community must press the Syrian Opposition and governments backing and funding these groups to restrain them and bring perpetrators to justice. SCRD will be leading a delegation to the EU to expose these groups and those behind them.”

According to Mervyn Thomas – the founder and president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide: “The flagrant human rights violations should not go unpunished. The Syrian Opposition and governments of Qatar and Turkey should act immediately to bring these appalling practices against civilians in the areas under the control of these militias to an end.”

Major issues within the Syrian National Army have caused serious conflicts in Ras Al-Ein. The army was founded in 2017 to run Turkey’s counterterrorism operations in Syria following the fall of the Islamic State. The 20th Division of the Syrian National Army commander met with the Christian community in Ras Al-Ein this June. Even though he had promised support and protection to Christians, human rights violations and anti-Christian actions have been increasing in the area. 

Source: https://www.christianpost.com/