Syria

What does persecution look like in Syria?

The situation in Syria for Christians has grown more dire in the last year. Since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 – after ruling Syria for more than 50 years – the country has been mostly controlled by forces led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This is an Islamic extremist group with roots in Al Qaeda. The group has made overtures towards moderation and held talks with representatives of Syria’s traditional Christian communities, but it is too soon to know what will come of the new leadership.

Since the regime change, widespread instability has led to deadly clashes that have affected other religious minorities, particularly Druze and Alawites, with Christians caught in the crossfire. The resurgence of military operations by the Islamic State group since October 2024 reinforces a sense of insecurity. These include a deadly attack on a church in Damascus in June 2025.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

The pressure on Christians in Syria varies by region. The north east is generally safer and more tolerant. On the coast, the smaller, dispersed Christian communities are moderately vulnerable to social pressure. In the south, Christians face moderate to high pressure, though tolerance is generally greater in Druze-majority areas compared to Muslim ones. The greatest pressure lies in Damascus and Aleppo, where growing hostility from conservative Muslim communities and extremist groups creates uncertainty and restrictions. This is despite the historic Christian presence in the cities.

Additionally, Christians who convert from Islam or Druze beliefs face strong family and societal pressure, especially in Muslim-majority areas. Conversion can lead to serious violence or expulsion. Rising Islamic radicalisation has intensified resistance to converts from Muslim backgrounds.

Meet "Mourad"

"The trauma of what happened hit us all hard. We have mixed feelings of anger and question why this had to happen again. We thought getting rid of the previous regime would give us some sense of freedom, yet it seems there are still people who only believe in killing."

"Mourad", responsible for the work of Open Doors’ local partner in Syria.

What has changed this year?

Syria has jumped to the top ten of the World Watch List, with pressure and violence spiking sharply compared with last year. A year ago, Syria was ranked 18, and this year it is number six. This reflects the reality that Syria is now at its most dangerous since the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group occupied significant swathes of territory.

Throughout Syria’s brutal civil war, Christians suffered disproportionately from the fighting and displacement. Their vulnerability stemmed from lack of political and military power, alleged ties to the West, and perceived closeness to the Assad regime. Under the new interim government, these risks have intensified, exposing Christian communities to targeted violence, discrimination and social marginalisation.

The interim Constitution of March 2025 centralises power in the president and establishes Islamic law as the main source of legislation. Many experts say the new constitution offers insufficient protection for religious minorities. Political power remains fragmented, with sectarian and militant actors gaining influence. Violent conflict, including attacks by the Islamic State group, such as that on a church in Damascus in June 2025, have made the security situation even more uncertain.

The partial lifting of sanctions in mid-2025 has opened reconstruction and commercial channels, but the impact on Christian communities remains uncertain.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Syria?

Open Doors works through local partners and churches in Syria to help strengthen believers by distributing Bibles and Christian literature, providing discipleship training, trauma care, relief aid, microloans and other socioeconomic help.

How can you pray for Syria?

• In the aftermath of the fall of the Assad regime, many Christians live with constant uncertainty. Pray that believers would lean on God as their ‘Rock eternal’ (Isaiah 26:4).
• Pray for converts from Islam, that they would find love and fellowship even when they encounter rejection by family and friends.
• Pray for the victims of the Damascus church attack, that their wounds would be healed, and they would feel God’s closeness as they decide how best to live out their faith.