Renewed fighting in Aleppo has once again placed civilians at grave risk, prompting urgent appeals for prayer and international action from local Christian leaders and the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
Clashes between forces loyal to the young government in Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) resumed on January 6 after a brief truce, resulting in several deaths, including Christians, according to local sources in contact with ACN.
The escalation has forced the cancellation of Christmas and Epiphany celebrations for Aleppo’s Christian communities, underscoring the fragility of daily life in a city long scarred by war. Many Eastern Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7.
“Schools, universities and public services are closed.Only hospitals remain functioning, and Christian families are trapped in their houses because they are on the front lines,” an ACN source on the ground said, requesting anonymity for security reasons.
In response, the local Church has opened its buildings to families fleeing the violence, while authorities have temporarily opened passages allowing civilians to leave affected areas. Yet fears are mounting that conditions will sharply deteriorate once those passages close.
“It appears that both sides are planning something bigger, judging by the intensity of the bombing and gunfire,” the source added. “I ask for prayers that both parties may reach an agreement and that peace prevails.”
Church leaders and ACN project partners have echoed these pleas. In a message sent to ACN, Maronite Archbishop Joseph Tobji warned that “the moment has become critical again,” as families begin to disperse from several districts of the city.
Another ACN partner, Fr. Fadi Najjar, reported that “rockets are raining down on us,” stressing that civilians invariably bear the heaviest burden during armed conflict.
Tensions between the SDF and the government have simmered for months. The SDF, which played a central role in defeating the Islamic State group with international backing, is seeking continued autonomy in northeast Syria.
The government in Damascus, which ousted Bashar al-Assad just over a year ago, has rejected such proposals and is intent on reasserting control over the entire country — a political deadlock now playing out violently in Aleppo.
For Syria’s Christians, the renewed fighting is a stark reminder that peace remains fragile, sustained as much by international resolve as by the prayers rising from communities under fire.
