Homs, August 24, 2015
The “Islamic State” militants destroyed a 5th century monastery in the Homs governorate of the central Syria. The monastery is situated in the area that was recaptured by the takfirists from the government forces early in August. Several dozen Christians were taken prisoners. The abducted Christians were given a choice: execution or forcible conversion to Islam, reports Newsru.com.
The Islamists used a bulldozer to demolish the monastery in the town of Al-Qaryatayn, reports Reuters with the reference to the UK project on monitoring of human rights violations in Syria.
Meanwhile, the coalition’s Air Forces are continuing air strikes of the town that two weeks ago went under the control of the militants.
230 people were kidnapped by “The Islamic State” in all, including dozens of Christian families. 45 women and 19 children are among them. Later 48 people were released and 110 prisoners were sent to Rakka (Al-Raqqah) where the administrative center of the territory under the control of the militants is located.
