Syria’s Armenian community faces financial hardships – Zarmig Boghikian

The situation in Syria has grown tense again, with massive clashes erupting between Syrian security forces and supporters of former president Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 1,311 people have been killed since March 6, including 231 members of the security forces and the defense ministry, 250 supporters of former president Bashar al-Assad, and 830 civilians. Alpha News discussed this issue with Zarmig Boghikian, editor of Aleppo’s Kantsasar weekly.

“The situation in Latakia’s central districts is more stable today, but people continue to leave their homes only in cases of extreme necessity. Since yesterday, inspectors have been patrolling the city, searching passers-by and cars to prevent possible threats. The education ministry has decided to close schools in Latakia until the end of the week. Most likely, the Armenian community school will also remain closed. The city has no electricity, water supplies are often cut off, there is a shortage of medicine, and people are living in a state of anxiety,” Boghikian noted.

Speaking about the Armenian community’s situation, she noted that according to local Armenians, there were no shots fired in their neighborhoods today, but shots were audible in nearby areas.

“The Armenian community is facing economic hardships. People have been unable to work for several days. For security reasons, church services are not being held, but the church is doing its best to help Armenians. It has already been confirmed that two Armenians were killed. Thankfully, there are no other casualties among our compatriots. We call on the Armenian community not to leave their homes until the situation is fully stabilized,” Zarmig Boghikian said.