6
Syria
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“The trauma of what happened hit us all hard. We have mixed feelings of anger and question why this had to happen again. We thought getting rid of the previous regime would give us some sense of freedom, yet it seems there are still people who only believe in killing.”
Persecution Type
- Islamic oppression (Very strong)
- Dictatorial paranoia (Very strong)
- Clan oppression (Strong)
- Organized corruption and crime (Very strong),
Christian population
300,000 (estimate)
Government
Presidential republic
Main Religion
Islam
Leader
President Ahmed al-Sharaa
What is persecution like in Syria?
What changed this year?
Syria has jumped to the top ten 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 six. 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.
Throughout Syria’s brutal civil war, Christians suffered disproportionately from the fighting and displacement. Their vulnerability stemmed from lack of political and military power, alleged ties to the West, and perceived closeness to the Assad regime. Under the new interim government, these risks have intensified, exposing Christian communities to targeted violence, discrimination and social marginalisation.
The interim Constitution of March 2025 centralises power in the president and establishes Islamic law as the main source of legislation. Many experts say the new constitution offers insufficient protection for religious minorities. Political power remains fragmented, with sectarian and militant actors gaining influence. Violent conflict, including attacks by the Islamic State group, such as that on a church in Damascus in June 2025, have made the security situation even more uncertain.
The partial lifting of sanctions in mid-2025 has opened reconstruction and commercial channels, but the impact on Christian communities remains uncertain.
Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
The pressure on Christians in Syria varies by region. The north east 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.
What does Open doors Do to help?
How can I be praying?
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.