Skip to main content

VIDEO: Assyrian Christians defend their communities in Syria

Syria's christians have often found themselves under threat from groups such as IS and have mobilised to fight back
Fighters of all ages make up the MFS in Syria (MEE/Abed al-Qaisi)

The Syriac Military Council (MFS) was established in January 2013 to protect the marginalised Assyrian Christian communities in Syria.

They have fought to defend themselves from the Islamic State, Al-Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham and frequently work in tandem with the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).

As sectarian violence swamps Syria, MFS aim to defend their land, religion and identity in a region where Christians are increasingly finding themselves unwelcome.

http://youtu.be/7weq8LgZPZg

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.