An Oklahoma man, Hosam Saraya, a Syrian-American dual citizen was reportedly among a group executed in Syria in mid-July 2025. Syria, a Middle Eastern country bordering Iraq, Turkey and Lebanon, has been at the center of a devastating conflict since 2011.
The crisis began with peaceful protests during the Arab Spring but quickly escalated into a brutal civil war involving government forces, rebel groups, Islamist extremists (including ISIS) and foreign powers like Russia, the U.S., Iran and Turkey. Despite the Assad regime regaining much control with Russian and Iranian support, Syria remains fragmented, economically crippled and under international sanctions.
According to claims raised by state lawmakers and reported by national sources. peace remains elusive and the humanitarian needs are still critical.
Saraya previously lived in Stillwater, earned an MBA from Oklahoma Christian University and founded a virtual schooling initiative in his ancestral region to support Druze students. He returned to Sweida, southern Syria, roughly a year and a half ago to care for his ailing parent, and continue his educational project.
On July 16, 2025, he and seven male relatives were abducted from their home by armed men, some reportedly wearing Syrian General Security uniforms. They were forced to kneel in Tishreen Square in Sweida and then shot in an execution-style killing captured on video and circulated widely.
Lawmakers said Saraya was allegedly detained by the Syrian government and later executed under unclear circumstances. His family and representatives are calling for more transparency and answers from both the U.S. and Syrian governments.
U.S. officials, including Oklahoma’s Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin, confirmed Saraya’s death and offered support to his family.
“Hosam was an Oklahoman and member of the Druze community who was tragically executedalongsideothermembers of his family in Syria.,” said Lankford.
The U.S. State Department condemned the violence and urged accountability. The reasons behind Saraya’s detention and execution remain uncertain.
Some reports suggest he may have been targeted due to suspected political affiliations or activism, but official confirmation has not yet been released. This atrocity occurred amid escalating sectarian violence between Druze communities and Sunni Bedouin militias.
Human Rights Watch and local witnesses alleged that Syrian regime-affiliated fighters aided or participated in the violence. The Syrian government refuted involvement, stating its forces aimed to restore order.
Oklahoma leaders are now urging federal authorities to investigate and assist the family in bringing Saraya’s remains home. His death has sparked broader conversations about Americans traveling in conflict zones and the risks involved.