Carmelites refuse to leave - Only 40,000 Christians left in Aleppo amid continuous airstrikes

'The Middle East, the land of Christ, now risks becoming empty of Christians.'

Syrian and Russian forces continue to bombard Syria with continuous airstrikes but Carmelite nuns refuse to leave their convent.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to the Catholic Herald, the nuns requested help from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) to help the people who can't leave.

Sister Anne-Françoise, of Aleppo's Discalced Carmelite Sisters, stated: "the bombs are falling all around us, but we are not going to leave the people in their suffering.

"When the Syrian army attempts to prevent the opposition and other groups from entering into the city, the bombing and shelling is really close to us."

The Carmelite convent is located on the outskirts of Aleppo, which is constantly bombarded by airstrikes. The Sisters explained Aleppo's citizens left as soon as the war began and slowly intensified, leaving only the poorest citizens.

Sister Anne-Françoise explained: "We have no water, no electricity, and the fighting is continuing incessantly. Who could possibly come back in these conditions?" The Middle East, the land of Christ, now risks becoming empty of Christians. That is unthinkable, and yet the situation is truly terrible."

The situation in Aleppo is so dire only 40,000 Christians remain of its previously 160-thousand-strong population.

According to Sojourners, the nuns' appeal to the ACN has led to the group's attempt to draw attention to the Carmelite's plight.

Syrian ground troops backed by Russian missiles constantly fight opposing rebels in an attempt to gain control of the city yet still the Carmelite nuns refuse to leave.

Sister Anne-Françoise explained: "When the Syrian army attempts to prevent the opposition and other groups from entering the city, the bombing and shelling is really close to us. Thank God, they haven't hit us yet, but we are constantly hearing the shells pass over our heads.

"...The diplomatic solutions have not worked," the Sister continued. "We simply pray to the Lord that this war may stop."

In her closing appeal, Sister Anne-Françoise explained: "Please take pity on these thousands of lives, torn apart by war. Please don't forget us. We need your prayers and your practical help!"

Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama warned Russian President Vladimir Putin isn't likely to be trusted: "But Russia has failed to take the necessary steps. Given the deteriorating situation, it is time for Russia to show it is serious about pursuing these objectives.

"We're going to test and see if we can get something that sticks. And if not, then Russia will have shown itself very clearly to be an irresponsible actor around the world stage that is supporting a murderous regime."

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