(CNN) -- A Sudanese government force destroyed a church Monday, ignoring the wails of nearby residents, witnesses told journalists working for CNN. The attack came a day after authorities sent a letter saying they would demolish the church, priest Kuoa Shimal said. Government sources did not immediately return calls from CNN. Complaints about the predominantly Muslim country's lack of religious freedom came under the international spotlight recently after Mariam Yehya Ibrahim, a Christian mother of two, refused to renounce her faith and was sentenced to death. After an international outcry, she was freed and reunited with her American husband. The 70-strong force Monday arrived at the Alizba slums near the capital, Khartoum, around 10 a.m., witnesses said. Some were dressed in plain clothes.
@highlight
Witnesses: A Sudan government force destroyed a church near the capital
@highlight
The government warned it would happen, a priest says
@highlight
Sudanese officials did not return calls from CNN
@highlight
Demolition follows the release of a woman who was sentenced to death for being Christian
The threat of violence has caused @placeholder's churches to empty.