A small village where Christians and Muslims have lived peacefully for hundreds of years has been attacked and taken over by Rebel Forces. Maaloula, a scenic mountain community located fifty-six kilometers north-east of Damascus, is on the UNESCO list of tentative world heritage sites. It is also one of the few places in the world where residents still speak the ancient Middle Eastern language of Aramaic.
The rebel advance was spearheaded by Jabhat al-Nusra, or the Nusra Front. Reports claim that approximately 1,500 rebels entered the town shouting "Allahu Akbar", and began attacking Christian homes and churches. People have reported seeing dead bodies in the street.
A CNN report says:
Christians make up roughly 10% of the population. Syria is ruled by a government dominated by Alawites, whose faith is an offshoot of Shiism. The regime is opposed by an opposition with a large Sunni presence. Aid agencies say Syria's 2 million Christians are often targeted for suspected sympathies to President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
The USA is preparing to attack Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in order to aid the Rebels~But~there is a real concern that the rebels have been infiltrated by Militant Islamists from Al Qaeda. They have sworn that if they take control they will wipe out all minorities~with Christians being the first to feel the blow.
Please pray for this tiny Christian community...
Here is Maaloula Before Civil War Broke Out...
Here is Maaloula Now...
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