Read The Battle for Syria's Ancient Christian Village, by Russia Today, at persecution.org.
"Fighting continues to rage for control of Syria's ancient Christian village of Maaloula. There have been claims that the rebels have resorted to looting, executions and forcing residents to convert to Islam. Maaloula, a mountain village of 2,000 people, is the center of Christianity in the region. Alongside of Catholic and Orthodox monasteries there are the remains of numerous convents, churches, shrines and sanctuaries."