Christian Towns In Syria Fall To Islamist Rebels

Nuns Held Hostage In Syria By Jihadists As New UN Report Accuses Assad Of Crimes Against Humanity -- Daily Mail

* Six nuns trapped in convent which sits above Maaloula, says state media
* Syrian government demands rebels release nuns
* Many Christian residents have already fled, fearing rebels will punish them
* UN investigation finds 'massive evidence' of war crimes indicating responsibility at 'highest level of government'
* Scale of viciousness on both sides 'defies belief'

Six nuns are trapped in an ancient Christian village in Syria, the government has claimed, as Bashar al-Assad and members of his inner circle were implicated in war crimes for the first time.

Syrian army tanks were positioned around Maaloula as the fighting sent smoke wafting over the village nestled in hills about 40 miles northeast of the capital, Damascus.

Forces loyal to President Assad are trying to keep rebels led by the Al Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra, or Nusra Front, from advancing. Opposition fighters have taken control of several parts of the village since blowing up a checkpoint at its entrance on Friday, according to reports by the state news agency and opposition activists.

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More News On Reports That The Ancient Christian Town Of Maaloula Has Fallen To Islamist Rebels

Islamists take Syrian Christian town, monastery: state media -- Reuters
Nuns trapped as al Qaeda-linked rebels seize Christian town in Syria -- FOX News/AP
Islamist rebels seize part of ancient Syrian Christian town, take nuns captive -- RT
Syrian Rebels Kidnap Nuns as They Invade Christian Town of Maaloula Again -- Christian Post
Gunmen Seize Head of Convent, Nuns in Ancient Syrian City: SANA -- Bloomberg