Conflict reignites in Syria as jihadist rebels gain more territory, taking Aleppo. The more than a decade-old conflict seems to have flared up again. Since November 27, the fights have been renewed with greater intensity, and the anti-government forces are expanding their control over more and more regions in the country. They entered the Hama region and tightened their control over Aleppo as well. According to the United Nations (UN), since November 27, more than 300 people have been killed and 15,000 have been displaced. As the conflict’s escalation is anticipated, the UN started evacuations from Aleppo.

On December 1, joined Syrian-Russian forces carried out bombing in the area of Aleppo targeting jihadist rebel holdings. However the bombing also hit the Franciscan Holy Land College. Buildings of the Franciscan college suffered heavy damages, but nobody lost their lives in the incident.

“Thanks be to God, there are no casualties or injuries; only the building was damaged,”

said Fr. Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land. He added that all the parish members and friars are well, but the whole community feels that fear and tension are growing day by day among the civilians in Aleppo. Fr. Patton asked all Christians to pray for the end of the ongoing conflict and a long-lasting peace in Syria.

Source: Vatican News

Photo: Karam Al-Masri