Despite international outcry over the brutality of the crackdown on the uprising, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ignored calls to step down.

Open Doors said Christians in the country are afraid of what might happen to them in the future, especially if radical Muslims gain power.

The organisation’s President, Dr Carl Moeller, fears Christians may soon have to think about leaving Syria.

"Christians inside Syria are caught in the crossfire as they are in many other Middle Eastern countries," he said.

"Until the protests started against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, the Christian community enjoyed some protection. Now they are afraid of the future. Will they have to flee their country like Iraqi Christians have done over the last several years? Please lift them up in your prayers."

One Open Doors field worker, who cannot be named for security reasons, described a situation of increasing hardship for Syrians, with food levels down, fuel supplies running low, and daily electricity cuts.

The field worker reports that radical Muslims and criminals are “taking advantage” of the lawlessness.

"In the city of Homs, for example, the Sunni Muslims gained power on the streets when the government pulled out its troops for a few days.

“Some of the radical elements in this group have raided several churches. They robbed the churches of their most valuable things.”

Some Christians have already reported violent acts against them and fear they are a sign of more violence to come.

The field worker said that some radical Muslim taxi drivers have spoken of their intention to harm any woman using their taxi who is not veiled.

"These women, mostly less orthodox Muslims and Christians, are being kidnapped, raped or even killed," said the field worker.

Christian Today