Unknown assailants attack Syriac Orthodox Brotherhood of Mor Yakub al-Nusaybini headquarters in Zalin, North and East Syria

ZALIN, North and East Syria — An unidentified group attacked the headquarters of the Brotherhood of Mor Yakub al-Nusaybini in Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, an organization affiliated with the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The attackers vandalized the premises, destroyed Christian religious symbols and furniture, and stole belongings from the Brotherhood. The Syriac Security Forces (Sutoro) have launched an investigation into the incident and have pledged to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice promptly.

The Sutoro issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to preventing any attempts to ignite strife among the region’s ethnic and religious communities, especially during the fragile period following the fall of the former authoritarian Syrian regime.

The Brotherhood of Mor Yakub al-Nusaybini focuses on organizing activities for Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) youth and is a significant cultural and religious institution in the area.

This attack follows a similar incident in the summer of 2023 when unknown assailants targeted the monument commemorating the martyrs of the 1915 Sayfo Genocide in Zalin. In response, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) undertook efforts to rebuild and restore the monument.

Authorities and local communities are awaiting further updates from the Sutoro as investigations continue.