by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - The UK-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) non-profit advocacy organization has reported that Islamic extremist militants in northern Syria have seized control of 500 acres of farmland belonging to Christian farmers in the town of Ras Al-Ein.
Located near the border with Turkey, the town of Ras Al-Ein is now controlled by diverse Islamist militias working as an umbrella group under the Syrian National Army, CSW reports. This coalition of Islamist militants is supported by Qatar and Turkey.
CSW reports it was told by local sources that Commander Abou Jammo of the Jaysh Al-Sharqya militia group ordered the confiscation of Christian farm lands in Ras-Al-Ein. Notably, this group is under sanctions by the US government.
In a statement to CSW, Ayman Abdelnour of the Syrian Christians for Rights & Dialogue non-governmental organization said: ‘We are deeply concerned by these developments, these criminal groups have been oppressing and terrorizing local communities from all religious and ethnic backgrounds. Some of their violations amount to crimes against humanity.The international community must press the Syrian Opposition and governments backing and funding these groups to restrain them and bring perpetrators to justice.”
CSW President Mervyn Thomas added in a separate statement: “These flagrant human rights violations should not go unpunished. The Syrian opposition and governments of Qatar and Turkey should act immediately to bring these appalling practices against civilians in the areas under the control of these militias to an end.’
War-torn Syria continues to be oppressed by Islamic dictator President Bashar al-Asad and ranks 12 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.