The European Syriac Union (ESU) expresses its deep concern regarding the incidents that occurred on 22 February 2026 in Seydnaya and Qusayr. These developments once again highlight the fragile security situation facing the Syriac people, one of the indigenous and most ancient peoples of Syria.
In Seydnaya, the lowering of the Syrian national flag and the raising of the so-called “Islamic Tawhid” flag represent a deeply troubling act of provocation. Such actions risk exacerbating tensions, undermining social stability, and creating an atmosphere of insecurity for local communities.
On the same day in Qusayr, the attempted armed attack against Nashed Kassuha further underscored the persistent pressures and threats reported in the region. Incidents of this nature reinforce long-standing concerns about safety, protection, and the rule of law.
The European Syriac Union emphasizes the urgent need for an effective and sustainable security mechanism that enables the Syriac people to ensure their protection in the regions where they live in significant numbers. Safeguarding the physical security of the Syriac population is inseparable from preserving their historical continuity and cultural presence.
Moreover, the ESU reiterates that the Syrian government must formally recognize and constitutionally guarantee the rights of the Syriac people. Syriacs are not merely a minority; they are an indigenous people whose historical roots in these lands extend back millennia. Their legal, cultural, and civic rights must be acknowledged accordingly.
The European Syriac Union respectfully affirms its commitment to continued engagement with the international community. The ESU will persist in its efforts to support the reconstruction of a pluralistic, just, and stable order in Syria — one that guarantees equal rights, equal dignity, and equal security for all peoples.
