Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Warns of 'War of Annihilation' in Syria’s Suwayda Region

His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Antonius (Saad). Photo: antiochpatriarchate.org

SUWAYDA — The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Bosra, Horan, Jabal al-Arab, and the Golan has issued an urgent appeal for international action to stop what it calls a “war of annihilation” against Druze and Christian communities in Syria’s Suwayda Governorate.

In a statement released Sunday, the Archdiocese condemned the killing of civilians by Islamist forces and implored the United Nations and world leaders to intervene immediately to end the bloodshed.

“I direct this humanitarian plea to those of sound minds who love peace,” His Eminence Metropolitan Antonius declared. “The ongoing war in Suwayda Governorate is a war of annihilation, killing both young and old. Therefore, I raise my voice loudly to the international community and to the United Nations to help us."

Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimate more than 590 civilians have been killed in recent days, with sacred sites such as the Mar Mikhael Church vandalized and set on fire. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri has echoed the Archdiocese’s plea, calling the violence a “genocidal campaign.” The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch also condemned the attacks and warned of a complete breakdown in protection for local communities.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military targets in Suwayda and Damascus have added to regional instability, prompting condemnation from Damascus. Although international concern is growing, no coordinated response has yet emerged.

The Archdiocese’s message conveys a stark warning: without immediate action, the world risks witnessing the erasure of Syria’s ancient religious communities.

Previously, UOJ reported that the United States had officially removed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of foreign terrorist organizations. The decision comes months after HTS led the December offensive that toppled Syria’s Assad regime.

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