Wildfires in Latakia reach Armenian-populated Kessab

Forest fires continue to rage across Syria’s Latakia province, now entering their eighth day without containment. High winds and extreme heat have severely hampered firefighting efforts, allowing the blaze to spread rapidly. The fires have now reached the vicinity of the Armenian-populated town of Kessab.

The Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia reports that the situation worsened on Saturday, with the flames approaching the first village in the Kessab region. The village is now under immediate threat.

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, remains in constant contact with local Armenian community leaders, closely monitoring the crisis.