Jabhat al-Nusra Insists on Destroying the Cherubim Monastery in Saidnaya

Militants from Jabhat al-Nusra (al-Qaeda) in collaboration with the Ghuraba' (Foreigners) Brigade have attacked the Cherubim monastery in Saidnaya, located on the highest hilltop in the Qalamoun mountain range. The militants have unsuccessfully been trying to sneak into and attack the monastery for the last couple of months. This time, they were able to start destroying the monastery, while aiming to bring down what they perceive as the "idolatrous" statue of Jesus.