A man walks inside the Sayyeda Zeinab Shrine, in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, on May 19, 2017. (AP)

Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad from Damascus, armed groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and others have seized control of Syria, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s history.

Initial reports suggested measures to ensure the security of the Sayyeda Zainab shrine in Damascus and churches across Syria, emphasizing the need to prevent sectarian violence. However, videos posted online have revealed a starkly different reality.

On Wednesday, armed groups attempted to assault the Sayyeda Zainab Shrine, a sacred site that houses the tomb of Zeinab bint Ali, granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and a destination for Muslim pilgrims.

Footage showed armed men attempting to enter the shrine with their weapons but were forced to remain in the courtyard and were banned from entering the Shrine where the tomb is located. According to Al Mayadeen's exclusive sources, this occurred after the shrine’s defenders withdrew to avoid escalating tensions, having been assured that the site would remain protected from desecration.

It is worth noting that some members remain in the shrine to ensure it remains operational and open for pilgrims and to guarantee its protection.

Footage circulated online showing militants storming the Sayyeda Zeinab Shrine in the countryside of #Damascus, violating the religious sanctity of the shrine.#Syria pic.twitter.com/FjEe4TMiKn
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) December 11, 2024

Additionally, reports from Damascus indicated that armed groups disrupted a mass at St. George's Syriac Orthodox Church, forced the priest to vacate the premises, and looted the church’s treasury and donation box, further deepening concerns over the state of religious sites under their control.

🇸🇾 Syrian rebels looted the treasury and donation box of St. George’s Syriac Orthodox Church in Damascus, disrupting religious services and preventing the Mass from being held. The priest was ordered to leave the premises. pic.twitter.com/kNUG25idMB
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) December 10, 2024

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate: Syria's future must reflect identity

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch of All the East confirmed on Monday that Syria will remain steadfast despite all the historical challenges it has faced, as "God is in its midst."

The Patriarchate explained that Syria is "at a new crossroads in its history, with the eyes of all focused on a bright future that every Syrian dreams of," hoping that this future will reflect Syria's identity as "the land of civilization and the cradle of history."

It added that this phase "requires wisdom, solidarity, and the pooling of efforts," and emphasized that it will continue its mission of serving humanity and promoting peace and harmony among people "in a country ruled by law and democratic institutions."

The Patriarchate urged every Syrian citizen to fulfill their national duty by working to unite ranks, preserving public and private property, fostering security in their surroundings, exercising self-restraint in the face of challenges, and maintaining calm and reason.

It also called on all Syrians to "extend a hand to those responsible for the welfare of this good country," urging all relevant parties to "control violations and ensure the dignity of every citizen, so we can move together toward a brighter tomorrow."

This statement came after armed groups in Syria announced on Sunday morning that they had taken control of Damascus and prohibited access to government institutions.

Reuters reported that the new Syrian coalition confirmed it would continue its efforts "to complete the transfer of power to a transitional governing body with full executive powers."