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Iraqi Christians Flee Murder Campaign

1,000 families run scared after 3 homes bombed in Mosul

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 11, 2008 5:05 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Escalating anti-Christian violence has forced almost 1,000 families to flee the Iraqi city of Mosul, AFP reports. They are hiding in surrounding schools and churches after three homes were bombed in the city, a known al-Qaeda stronghold. The violence "is the fiercest campaign against the Christians since 2003," a provincial governor said. "Among those killed over the past 11 days were a doctor, an engineer and a handicapped person."

The latest attacks come days after Chaldean Archbishop Louis Sako urged Washington and Baghdad to protect Iraqi Christians, who have no militias for self-defense. "We are the target of a campaign of liquidation, a campaign of violence. The objective is political," Sako said. The anti-Christian campaign has forced nearly 300,000 Christians to flee Iraq since the US invasion 5 years ago, he said.

Iraqi Christians carry banners as a policeman stands guard, during a protest in Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008.
Iraqi Christians carry banners as a policeman stands guard, during a protest in Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Iraqi Christians carry Assyrian Church flags, during a protest in Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008.
Iraqi Christians carry Assyrian Church flags, during a protest in Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Iraqis watch U.S. troops patrol the streets on March 7, 2005 in the restive northern city of Mosul, Iraq.
Iraqis watch U.S. troops patrol the streets on March 7, 2005 in the restive northern city of Mosul, Iraq.   (Getty Images)
An Iraqi woman watches U.S. troops patrol the streets on March 3, 2005 in the restive northern city of Mosul, Iraq.
An Iraqi woman watches U.S. troops patrol the streets on March 3, 2005 in the restive northern city of Mosul, Iraq.   (Getty Images)
Iraqi children stand in front of an American Armored vehicle holding a plastic toy gun on March 1, 2005 in the restive northern city of Mosul, Iraq.
Iraqi children stand in front of an American Armored vehicle holding a plastic toy gun on March 1, 2005 in the restive northern city of Mosul, Iraq.   (Getty Images)
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