Syria: Clashes between Kurds and Christians in Hassake province

Archbishop Hindo

Tensions between Kurds and Christians have increased in the Syrian region of northeastern Jiazira, and the cities of Qamishli and Hassaké, where large areas of land are in the hands of IS, local church leaders report. On 20 December 20 two restaurants in Qamishli belonging to Christian owners were attacked. Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo, head of the Syrian Catholic Archdiocese of Hassaké-Nisibis said: "13 Christians and six Muslims died. No one knows who is behind this attack, but it is believed that it was the Kurds."

After the massacre, self-defense groups organized by Christians, staged roadblocks to protect areas inhabited by Christian Syrians and Assyrians, but two days ago one of these roadblocks was attacked by Kurdish militias of the PYD, linked to the PKK. Archbishop Hindo said a Syrian Orthodox militiaman was killed in the crossfire and six Kurdish soldiers were wounded.

The Archbishop said: "Behind these tensions there is the strategy of the Kurds, who seek to acquire a position of strength with a view to claiming independence. Christian self-defense groups act in coordination with the Syrian government army, and are attacked by the Kurds for that reason too.".

Meanwhile, Mgr Hindo added: "jhadists continue to sell oil. There are columns of tanks from the territories of Deir el Zor that head to Iraq and from there go to Turkey. They are clearly visible, but some pretend not to see them. They have to make this journey because the direct route to the Turkish border is now under attack by the Russians."

Source: Fides