Al-Qamishli, Syria (Source: PanARMENIAN.net)

AL-QAMISHLI, Syria (PanARMENIAN.Net)—Considered to be one of the safest areas in Syria, the Armenian-populated city of Al-Qamishli in northeastern Syria on the border with Turkey is being protected by Kurdish People’s Defense Units (YPG), Arevelk reports.

The city hosts two Armenian centers—elementary and high schools of the Euphrates College, where the majority of students are Armenians. All costs get covered by ARF Van committee, the church and individuals, while some 200 young men ensure the safety of the centers. They reportedly carry special documents to make themselves known to other parties of the region, with benefactors taking care of the guards’ food, clothing and other needs.

More than 250,000 Syrians have been killed and a million injured since the start of the civil war in Syria 4 years ago. Some 11 million others have been forced from their homes, of whom four million have fled abroad—including growing numbers of refugees who are making the dangerous journey to Europe.

Iran, Russia and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement are supporting the Alawite-led Assad government, while Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar back the more moderate Sunni-dominated opposition, along with the U.S., UK and France. Hezbollah and Iran have pro-Assad forces on the ground, while a Western-led coalition and Russia are carrying out air strikes.

14-year-old Armenian Killed

A 14-year-old Armenian teen was killed on the highway leading from the Syrian city of Al-Qamishli to Turkey.

Armen Avetisyan was shot dead while trying to move to Turkey together with his family, the Armenian Prelacy of Syria reported.