Fighters belonging to the Al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant torched two churches in Al-Raqqa today. The churches, Sayyida Bechara and Al-Shuhadaa, are the only Christian houses of worship that serve the city’s Christian population, estimated at 10%.

The fighters invaded the churches, destroyed all crosses, burned the altars, and caused severe damage to the properties. The fighters raised the flag of ISIL (a variation of Al-Qaeda’s flag) atop the both churches and then proceeded to torch them.

Local citizen journalists and activists have reported that ISIL blockaded the streets leading to the churches and prevented anyone from approaching to inspect the churches and take photos, under threat of arrest.

Today’s events follow an attack on Sayyida Bechara church that took place last night. Local residents protested the attack and denounced ISIL. Activists told Syria Newsdesk that ISIL’s attack today is in retaliation to the protest.