Aleppo Armenians Determined Not to Leave: ‘Explosions Continue, but We Are Fine’

INTERVIEW: Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, is once again caught in violent conflict. Despite the chaos, the city’s Armenian community remains calm and has no plans to leave.

A local Armenian resident, speaking anonymously to The Armenian Report for safety reasons, shared insights about the current situation. They emphasized that the community feels no fear and is determined to stay. "There is food, water, and electricity again. We are being told to stay in our homes, and His Holiness has also asked us not to leave," the source said. The resident stressed that there is no widespread fear within the community and no intention to abandon their homes.

"Today, armed men distributed bread to every house, reassuring us to stay calm," the source said. "They told us not to be afraid, as there is food and water. A few days ago, we had neither electricity nor water, but those have been restored now. We are fine. There are still explosions, but they don't hit residential buildings. The Armenian community is urging us to stay, and His Holiness has sent a message asking us not to leave Aleppo."

This message of determination comes as Aleppo finds itself engulfed in renewed conflict. On November 27, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and a coalition of rebel factions launched their most significant offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's regime in years, seizing control of most of the city. The attack marks a dramatic shift in Syria’s prolonged conflict, with rebel forces entering Aleppo for the first time since being ousted in 2016.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the offensive has claimed over 300 lives, including at least 20 civilians. While government forces, bolstered by Russian airstrikes, are attempting to counter the rebels, the loss of Aleppo represents both strategic and symbolic setbacks for Assad’s regime.

HTS, the primary force behind the attack, is a jihadist group operating in northwestern Syria. Despite efforts to portray itself as a localized force, HTS remains a divisive entity, with no open state sponsorship. However, its operations are indirectly influenced by Turkey, which backs other factions in the region to counter Kurdish forces. Private financial networks, particularly from Gulf states, have also historically supported such groups, further complicating international responses.

For Aleppo’s Armenian community, the current crisis is another chapter in a long history of resilience. Once a thriving population of approximately 60,000, the Armenian community in Aleppo had been a vital part of the city’s cultural and economic fabric. Many Armenians settled in the city after fleeing the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century, turning Aleppo into a hub of Armenian culture and enterprise.

The Syrian Civil War, however, devastated this community. Thousands of Armenians fled to Armenia, Lebanon, and Western countries, leaving only a few thousand to weather the ongoing turmoil. Despite the challenges, those who remain work tirelessly to preserve their heritage, supported by the Armenian diaspora.

Armenian officials are closely monitoring the unfolding crisis. The Armenian Embassy in Damascus operates in emergency mode, while the Consulate General in Aleppo has temporarily relocated to Damascus. Authorities have pledged to adjust their diplomatic strategies as needed to protect the Armenian population.

This story is developing, and The Armenian Report will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds.