ASIA/SYRIA - Tensions between Kurds and Christians in the province of Hassake

Qamishli (Agenzia Fides) - Tensions between Kurds and Christians increase in the Syrian region of northeastern Jiazira, where we find the cities of Qamishli and Hassaké and where large areas of land are in the hands of the jihadist of the Islamic State (Daesh). In particular we are talking about the attacks perpetrated on December 20 against two restaurants in Qamishli belonging to Christian owners. "In those two terrorist acts" refers to Fides Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo, head of the Syrian Catholic Archdiocese of Hassaké-Nisibis, "13 Christians and six Muslims died. No one knows who is behind this attack, but it is believed that the Kurds are behind these attacks".
After the massacre, self-defense groups organized by Christians - identified by the initials Sootoro - staged roadblocks to protect areas inhabited by Christian Syrians and Assyrians, but two days ago one of these strongholds was attacked by Kurdish militias of the PYD, linked to the PKK. In the crossfire - confirms to Fides Mgr. Hindo - a Syrian Orthodox militiaman was killed and six Kurdish soldiers were wounded. "Behind these tensions" explains Syrian Catholic Archbishop "there is also the strategy of the Kurds, who seek to acquire a position of strength with a view to claiming independence.
Christian self-defense groups act in coordination with the Syrian government army, and are attacked by the Kurds for that reason too". Meanwhile - Mgr. Hindo adds - "jhadists continue to sell oil: there are columns of tanks that from the territories of Deir el Zor head to Iraq and from there go to Turkey. They are clearly visible, but some pretend not to see them. They have to make this journey because the direct route to the Turkish border is now under attack by the Russians". (GV) (Agenzia Fides 13/01/2016)

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