Syrian security authorities, in coordination with the Ministry of Endowments, have launched an investigation into the murder of Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Ja’ed, the imam of the Telalin village mosque, whose body was discovered along the Suran–Telalin road in the northern countryside of Aleppo.
Official spokesperson for the Ministry of Endowments, Ahmed al-Hallaq, expressed profound sorrow on Wednesday while confirming the discovery of the imam’s body. Al-Hallaq emphasized that the ministry is closely monitoring the investigation alongside competent security bodies to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crime and bring those responsible to justice.
According to preliminary details reported by local media, four unidentified individuals lured Sheikh al-Ja’ed from his residence under the pretext of officiating a marriage contract. His body was subsequently found on the roadside. Forensic and field reports clarified that the victim sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head, dispelling initial unverified rumors claiming he had been beheaded.
The exact motives behind the assassination remain unconfirmed. Local accounts note that following a recent Friday sermon, Sheikh al-Ja’ed engaged in a verbal altercation with individuals associated with the Salafi movement who accused him of promoting Sufi practices. However, authorities stress that no evidence currently connects that argument to the murder, and no individual or group can be held accountable prior to the conclusion of the official inquiry.
The brutal killing has drawn sharp calls for a swift and transparent judicial process, alongside broader national reflections on combating extremist ideologies, hate speech, and incitement without infringing upon freedom of belief.
The incident underscores ongoing security vulnerabilities in northern Syria. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), at least 428 civilians—including 80 children, 33 women, eight medical personnel, and two journalists—were killed across Syria during the first half of 2026. SNHR highlighted Aleppo governorate as recording the highest toll during that period, with 81 documented civilian fatalities.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
