Syria: Franciscans appeal for help as Idlib comes under attack

The Syrian army, supported by Russia and Iran, has begun military action in the area of Idlib, north Syria, where the last rebel groups have pledged to resist to the last drop of blood. Military action here could cause carnage among civilians.

In the Idlib area there are also two convents of the Custody of the Holy Land: Knayeh and Yacoubieh. In these convents ATS pro Terra Sancta has supported 260 families (about 1,000 people) for several years now, through the distribution of food, medicines and other basic necessities. Many of the people we support are refugees and some live in the convent.

The Franciscan friars are the only Christian religious people that have remained.

ATS reports that the situation is getting worse day by day. They say in a statement: "in Knayeh and Yacoubieh anarchy and fear reign, because the rebels are afraid and therefore commit violence and abuse. For a month now, Christians have been holed up in their homes, terrified by the growing tension. Some of them have been kidnapped by jihadists who ask for a very high ransom."

For many of these people, our aid is really the only chance of survival. This is why we are following the developments of the situation with great concern, while we try to keep the distribution of food parcels and medicines on going.

This is why we turn to you and we ask you not to abandon them now that they are in great danger and need.

Click here to support the Christian communities of Kanyeh and Yacoubieh.