Moscow granted asylum to the leader of the Damascus regime that collapsed in a few days under the offensive of Islamic militias from the north. In Soviet times, Syria was considered the ‘sixteenth republic’ of the Union, but Moscow's relationship with Damascus is much older, also due to ties with the patriarchate of Antioch. The node of the military bases in Tartus and Latakia, over which they will try to negotiate with the country's new leadership.
In a message on social media, Monsignor Jallouf denied the ‘news’ that had been spread online that Hts had entrusted him with the leadership of the city. The prelate speaks of ‘lies’ and ‘shame’, reiterating that ‘meddling in politics is not the Church's mission’. To AsiaNews, the parish priest speaks of a ‘disoriented and confused’ community that must be ‘encouraged’. Rebels at the gates of Homs.
Fr. Bahjat Karakach speaks to AsiaNews from the northern city now controlled by opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. The anti-Assad front is targeting Hama, while in the conquered territories it promises protection for minorities. The parish is the distribution point for aid, but resources are limited. A people ‘exhausted by years of suffering and stalemate’.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are forced to pull back From Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Tel Rifaat from advancing pro-Turkish forces. HTS promises of "inclusiveness" find few takers. Meanwhile, government forces and allied militias are trying to push back rebel advance towards Hama.
Bishop Jallouf describes scenes of chaos as people flee amid blocked roads. About 90 per cent of Aleppo “is in rebel control ", but Christians “have not been harmed”. Sources in Damascus told AsiaNews that the "situation is calm" now, but the picture is "very complicated". Pro-Assad fighters have come from Iran and Iraq. The death toll is now in the hundreds.
An Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a massive attack on Wednesday from Idlib. The death toll now stands at 242 dead, including many civilians. For Fr Bahjat, people are tired, and cannot sleep, lacking “the energy to face another battle”. The outbreak of violence stems from an untenable political stalemate.
