Damascus: Christians in Ma'alola, a historic city in western Syria renowned for its Christian heritage, are living in constant fear. Since the fall of the Syrian government, locals in Ma'alola have been deeply worried for their safety, as reported by the Catholic News Agency’s Arabic partner, ACI MENA. According to local sources, five Christian families have faced threats of losing their farmland, and some have been ordered to leave their homes and town.

The absence of centralized governance has left Ma'alola without security, and while disarmament efforts are ongoing, many still possess weapons, heightening the sense of danger. The Christian community has expressed their desire for peace and a chance to rebuild their lives. However, reports indicate that nearly 80 of the 325 Christian families in the area have fled due to these threats.

With the rise of Islamist militants in Syria, concerns about the fate of the Christian minority have intensified. The country's government has been overthrown by rebel forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, along with a resurgence of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. While some Christians remain hopeful about the government's downfall, the actions and stance of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are causing widespread fear among the community.