Homs: Condemnation and warnings of sectarian strife after unknown gunman opened fire on Umm al-Zannar Church

The city of Homs witnessed an armed attack on the historic Umm al-Zannar Church in the al-Hamidiyah neighborhood. An unknown masked assailant opened fire at the church's facade at dawn on Sunday, striking the Holy Cross, which was mounted on its front. No casualties were reported.

A security camera captured the attacker firing three bullets at the church before fleeing. The incident sparked public and religious outrage and condemnation, with calls to refrain from attempts to sow sectarian strife in the city.

The Umm al-Zannar Church is one of the oldest churches in the world and holds a distinct religious and historical significance. It houses the Virgin Mary's girdle, which was discovered in April 1953 inside a stone basin under the altar, lending a spiritual and human dimension to the incident.

Following the news, the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Homs, Hama, and Tartous issued a strongly worded statement, declaring the attack "a direct violation of civil peace and coexistence," and describing the act as "a heinous crime that does not represent the morals of the people of Homs or honorable Syrians."

The Archdiocese called on security authorities to open an immediate investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. It also called for the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such crimes, which threaten societal stability and aim to incite sectarian strife.

The incident was widely condemned by the public and media, with many activists expressing their strong condemnation on social media, emphasizing that the perpetrator does not represent the revolution or the Syrian people.

Activist Abdul Samad Hanan said, "The perpetrators must be held strictly accountable, not only for punishment, but also to prevent the recurrence of such acts that seek to implicate Christians in the game of strife, something the regime has previously failed to achieve."

Activist Omar al-Sabbagh asserted, "If anyone had wanted to target churches, they would have done so during the siege of Homs, but our morals and religion prohibit us from attacking any religious symbol."

Observers believe this attack is a show-off, reminiscent of previous scenarios used to incite sectarian strife in the city. They point out that the social unity of Homs, both Christians and Muslims, is stronger than any attempt to tamper with it.

Fares al-Rifai - Zaman al-Wasl