Name: Syria
Source of Persecution: Islamic Oppression, Dictatorial Paranoia, Clan Oppression, Organized Corruption and Crime
Rank: #6 on the World Watch List
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 toward 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.
The pressure on Christians in Syria varies by region. The northeast 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 radicalization has intensified resistance to converts from Muslim backgrounds.
Syria has jumped to the top 10 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 6. 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.
Prayer Points
- 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.