Jihadists Bomb Christian School in Syria, Killing Four Children

Jihadists bombed the Syria Christian village of Al-Sekelbiya (Suqaylabiyah) Sunday, killing at least four children during a catechism lesson along with their teacher and leaving another six children injured, according to local media.

The Islamists who launched the missiles belong to the terror group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which was previously affiliated with the al Qaeda, reported Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

The Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reported that four catechism students between the ages of six and ten years — Jessica, Bashar, Angy, and Suheir — died in the missile attack, which targeted the catechetical school of Al-Sekelbiya.

Other reports have placed the number of children who died at five.

Franciscan Father Hanna Jallouf, parish priest of the Latin church of Knaye, in Idlib, said that “rebels bombed the Christian city of Al-Sekelbiya. They hit the catechetical center killing 5 children and their catechist.”

“The situation is precarious because of the clashes between the regular army and the rebels,” said Father Jallouf. “That is why many have had to leave their homes and have come with us. They live under the trees with the earth for their bed and the sky as their blanket.”

“Many people die because of this dirty war. We hope that this massacre ends soon,” the priest said.

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