Rebel forces in Syria, led by Islamist factions, have reportedly stolen humanitarian aid intended for Christian communities, exacerbating a dire situation that watchdog groups warn amounts to ethnic cleansing.
David Curry, President and CEO of Global Christian Relief (GCR), revealed to The Christian Post that food, water, and medical supplies meant to support thousands were seized by rebels. Despite these losses, GCR continues distributing remaining aid cautiously in the volatile region.
"Christians in Aleppo are facing extreme danger," Curry stated.
However, the Christian population has plummeted from 1.5 million before the civil war to just 300,000 today, due to prolonged conflict and targeted persecution.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group tied to extremist factions like ISIS and Al Qaeda, recently took control of Aleppo and Damascus following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Reportedly, these militants have imposed strict curfews, restricted daily life, and forced many Christians to flee.
Curry described HTS’s actions as a campaign of ethnic cleansing, displacing Kurds and Christians from northwestern Syria.
Bread and water shortages are now widespread in Aleppo, with Christian leaders providing spiritual guidance to those who remain.
While the U.S. government monitors the rebel groups, Curry emphasised the need for the incoming Trump administration to create humanitarian corridors and address the role of Turkey, which has supported opposition forces since 2011.
“Turkey’s actions, under President Erdogan, are part of a broader effort to dominate the region through Sunni terrorist groups,” Curry warned.
He called on Western leaders to hold Turkey accountable and take decisive action to protect Syria's vulnerable communities.