Christian homes confiscated in rural Hemto (Hama) amid allegations of forced displacement by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham

HEMTO, Syria — Reports have emerged accusing members of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) of confiscating homes owned by Christians in the predominantly Christian towns of Al-Suqaylabiyah and Mhardeh, located in rural Hemto (Hama). The seized properties have reportedly been transferred to Sunni Muslim families.

Local media have highlighted systematic abuses targeting Christian communities in these areas. HTS members have allegedly justified their actions by accusing Christian homeowners of affiliations with pro-government militias during the reign of the Assad regime.

Resistance and Clerical Intervention

While HTS successfully seized several properties, local priests intervened in some cases, halting further confiscations. Despite these efforts, fears of forced displacement and significant demographic changes loom over these historically Christian towns.

Journalist Ata Farhat noted that Al-Suqaylabiyah and Mhardeh have already experienced substantial Christian emigration over the past decade, driven by conflict. This exodus has left many properties vacant, prompting the formation of local defense committees to protect abandoned homes and lands.

Claims of Demographic Engineering

Farhat described the actions by HTS as a form of demographic engineering, comparing them to similar incidents targeting Alawite communities in Hmoth (Homs). “This represents forced displacement on a scale not seen since the formation of the Syrian state,” Farhat stated.

The area has seen numerous incidents targeting the Christian community since the takeover by HTS, and developments in rural Hemto underscore the precarious position of Syria’s Christian minority amid ongoing upheaval.