Oklahoma Christian University alum, family members, murdered in Syria
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An Oklahoma man and several of his family members are dead after an apparent militia attack and execution in Syria.
Loved ones of 35-year-old Hosam Saraya, who spoke to News 4 on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, confirmed the news first. They said Saraya was executed while in southern Syria, visiting his family back home in the city of Sweida. They say the family home was raided and Saraya, his father, three uncles, brother, and cousin were killed by what they call "government-aligned militias."
They say they're fearful Saraya is being targeted as a member of the Druze religious minority. Video circulating online, Saraya's friends and family say, shows the executions taking place.
"It's extremely tragic on all levels," a source familiar with Saraya said. "He has his mom back home, who is now left without her sons, or her husband."
Saraya's friends say he moved to Oklahoma a decade ago to start a new life and has a master's degree from Oklahoma Christian University in accounting. They said he was an active member of the Oklahoma City-metro community.
"I'm definitely going to miss his, just overall calmness and his sense of humor," said the source. "People loved him and they terribly miss him."
News 4 reached out to the offices of Governor Kevin Stitt, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin, and U.S. Senator James Lankford for comment. The following statements are social media posts made on Mullin and Lankford's accounts. Governor Kevin Stitt's office did not immediately respond to an after-hours request from a News 4 employee for comment:
Cindy and I are heartbroken by the death of Hosam Saraya. Hosam was an Oklahoman and member of the Druze community who was tragically executed alongside other members of his family in Syria. We are praying for his family, friends, and the entire community as they grieve this senseless loss. May God bring peace and comfort in this time of sorrow.
U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma)
We’ve learned that an American citizen from Oklahoma was brutally executed alongside his family members in Syria. I’m working with partners in the region to learn more, and we’re in touch with
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
@GovStitt on this devastating situation. Our prayers are with the family at this time.