Christians from six churches in Sweida, southern Syria, have been forced to leave in recent weeks as violence and shortages grip the region, according to Barnabas Aid.
Church minister Tony Boutros said his congregation is sheltering nearly 170 displaced people despite lacking water and electricity. ‘We are truly besieged, and people are struggling to secure their daily essentials,’ he said.
A Barnabas Aid contact on the ground explained, ‘We must pray for a better future for our people, particularly for the Christians, and for believers specifically.’
Barnabas Aid’s regional expert added, ‘As Syria’s Christian communities continue to suffer persecution, displacement, and loss, their faith remains a source of strength. ‘The words of the psalmist speak powerfully into their struggle: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).’
The Sweida crisis is part of a wider pattern of targeted attacks against Syria’s Christians. In southern Syria, a pastor was among at least 12 believers, possibly as many as 20, killed by Islamists loyal to the Damascus government in July 2025.
