Over 30 thousand Assyrian Christians live in the province of Al-Hasakah in the northeastern part of Syria. Up to 300 civilians were kidnapped and scores were murdered when during February the Daesh forces suddenly attacked the Christian villages there. Now as the Syrian army drives back the Islamists from the province, the local residents are attempting to pick up the pieces and restore some semblance of a normal life.
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
Residents of one of the Christian villages in the Syrian province of Al-Hasakah, destroyed by Daesh militants.
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
Over 30 Christian villages in Al-Hasakah province were completely devastated during the initial attack by Daesh forces.
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
A resident of one of the Christian villages in Al-Hasakah province of Syria prays in the ruins of St. George’s Church destroyed by Daesh militants.
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
A Christian village in the Syrian province of Al-Hasakah, destroyed by Daesh militants.
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
Despite being threatened by Daesh extremists, the local residents kept wearing their baptismal crosses and praying.
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
The remains of ancient Christian books burnt by Daesh militants, found in the ruins of St. George’s Church in Al-Hasakah province of Syria.
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
A Christian village in the Syrian province of Al-Hasakah, destroyed by Daesh militants.
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
The remains of ancient Christian books burnt by Daesh militants, found in the ruins of St. George’s Church in Al-Hasakah province of Syria.
© SPUTNIK/ VALERIY MELNIKOV
Residents of one of the Christian villages in the Syrian province of Al-Hasakah, destroyed by Daesh militants.
