Unidentified gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, Syria, on Wednesday, firing shots, attempting to remove the cross, and damaging the church’s walls.
While no one was injured, the attack sparked panic and condemnation from the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR). Hama police are investigating and searching for the suspects. Separate unconfirmed reports and online images suggest another attack damaged a nearby cemetery.
This incident follows a series of attacks in Hama since rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir
al-Sham (HTS), seized control of the province on December 5th. The SNHR documented these attacks, which include destruction of homes and damage to public and private property, and attributed many to the jihadist group Ansar al-Tawhid and other unidentified groups, based on eyewitness accounts. Despite this, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to protect minorities and avoid sectarianism. Ansar al-Tawhid, while linked to al-Qaeda, was reportedly dismantled by HTS a few years ago. Hama province is known for its religious and ethnic diversity, with Sunni, Shia, Christian, and Alawite populations.