U.S. Congressmen condemned the attacks of al Qaeda-affiliated groups on Armenian civilians in Kessab, Syria.

“I am deeply concerned by the dire situation in Kessab. Extremist forces have reportedly crossed the border from Turkey into Kessab, an area inhabited mostly by Armenians,” Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) said.

“Hundreds of families have been forced to leave their homes for fear of their safety. There are reports that the forces entering Kessab are desecrating churches and pillaging Armenian homes. I have been in contact with the State Department and have urged them to take the necessary actions to assist the Armenians in Syria. Turkey must take immediate action to help prevent extremist attacks on Armenian civilians.”

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) released also released a statement, saying:

“The vicious attacks by al Qaeda affiliated terrorists against Armenians and other Christians in the Syrian town of Kessab in northern Syria are beyond appalling. These attacks, which reportedly originated in Turkey, reflect the depth of the depravity to which the conflict in Syria has fallen. I have been in touch with the State Department and have been assured that we are working with Armenian, Syrian and Turkish officials to determine exactly what happened and how to prevent further acts of such barbarity.

“The Syrian civil war has been a disaster for all of Syria's people, but especially vulnerable minority populations. I have been working on multiple fronts to help Syrian Christians, including working to secure humanitarian parole for Syrians with approved immigrant petitions and to ensure that humanitarian relief is distributed to all of Syria's citizens.”