Protest in Bab Tuma in Damascus in Solidarity with Sqelbiya

A protest took place in Bab Tuma in Damascus in solidarity with residents of Sqelbiya in the Hama countryside, amid supportive slogans and criticism of the interim government in Syria.

28 March, 2026 11:22

DAMASCUS

Late last night, dozens of young men from Bab Tuma, Qassaa, and Bab Sharqi gathered in front of Al-Mariamite Church to express solidarity with the people of Sqelbiya following recent events in the city.

Participants chanted slogans and raised banners reading: “Sqelbiya, we stand with you until death” and “How beautiful is death on the wood of our cross,” expressing support for the predominantly Christian town.

Protesters also criticized the interim government in Syria, calling for clear measures amid ongoing tensions and security chaos.

According to local reports, Sqelbiya recently witnessed the entry of armed groups from neighboring villages, leading to harassment of residents and clashes that included threats of grenade use. The situation escalated into heavy gunfire and acts of vandalism targeting cafés and private property, in addition to several civilians being seriously injured.

With armed groups still present inside the city, the inability of security forces to intervene has left residents in a state of fear and anxiety.

A-H

ANHA