12/28/2019 Syria (International Christian Concern) – The family of two Syrian Armenian priests assassinated by the Islamic State last month are not celebrating the Christmas season, according to an interview shared by The UAE National. 

“For Armenians to stay in Syria means sacrifice. Sacrifice has been made, and more will come,” said one relative to the news agency. The priests were attacked by ISIS in northeast Syria during a time when the security environment was deteriorating because of the abrupt Turkish invasion. The priests were a father and son traveling to inspect the progress of a church’s restoration.

The wife and mother of the two victims shared how one of her sons emigrated to Australia following the incident, fearful that the family would be further targeted. Although ISIS quickly claimed responsibility for the assassination, the news agency shared that she remains unsure.

Multiple actors are at play within Syria, and it is always challenging to know who exactly is leading which group, and even the group’s identity may prove difficult to understand. The Turkish invasion further heightened this problem.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].