Syriac Union Party concerned for Syria’s ethnic and religious pluralism amid Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Turkish proxy advances

HOLEB, Syria — The Syriac Union Party (SUP) in Syria has expressed grave concerns over the collapse of Syrian regime forces in the face of Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly Al-Nusra Front, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda. In a statement, the SUP warned that HTS’s control over significant areas of Syria jeopardizes the safety and security of ethnic and religious minorities, including Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), Armenians, Kurds, and Christian communities.

The SUP’s statement followed an executive meeting to discuss the recent developments in Syria, particularly the events in Holeb (Aleppo) over the past week.

The party condemned ongoing airstrikes by Syrian regime and Russian forces targeting civilians, labeling them as cowardly acts. It called for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and isolate them from the ongoing conflict.

“We urge the Syriac–Assyrian people in Holeb to remain steadfast, organize themselves, and adapt to the evolving realities,” the statement read. The SUP placed primary blame for Syria’s current tragedies on the regime’s reliance on military solutions, rejection of peaceful UN-led resolutions, and its alliance with sectarian Iranian militias, which has eroded Syria’s sovereignty and exacerbated civilian suffering.

The SUP highlighted the regime’s policies as a driving force behind the prolonged conflict, increasing injustices and hindering liberation from oppressive influences.

The statement also called for urgent international intervention to protect civilians and counter Turkey’s expansionist ambitions in Syria, which the SUP argued threaten the Democratic Autonomous Administration and endanger the region’s ethnic and religious diversity through displacement and acts of genocide.

The SUP reaffirmed its support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for their role in defending the diverse communities of North and East Syria. It also urged the international community to pressure the Syrian regime into complying with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, facilitating a political transition toward a democratic Syria founded on justice and freedom for all citizens.

Concerns for Christians in Holeb have intensified since HTS’s takeover of the city, despite a relative calm since the takeover. Footage showing the destruction of a Christmas tree in a neighborhood under HTS control has further fueled fears about the safety and rights of religious minorities.