World - Christians targeted in Iraq

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: Christians in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul are fleeing after facing attacks that apparently have been masterminded by the Al-Qaeda.

According to provincial Governor, Duraid Kashmula, around 1,000 Christian families have fled Mosul to escape a wave of violence against them.

Unidentified gunmen blew up at least three Christian homes in Mosul’s Sukkar district— widely known as an Al-Qaeda stronghold.

In the past 24 hours, Christians have taken refuge in churches and schools. Mr. Kashumula said 11 Christians have been killed since violence flared up on September 28.

“The Christians were subjected to abduction attempts and paid ransom, but now they are subjected to a killing campaign,” he said.

He blamed Al-Qaeda elements for the attacks. Responding to the crisis, Iraq’s government on Sunday said it had sent a 1,000-strong police contingent to quell the violence.

Pope’s plea


In Vatican City, Pope Benedict XVI condemned the violence against Christians in Iraq and India.

“I invite you to pray for peace and reconciliation as situations cause concern and great suffering.... I think of violence against Christians in Iraq and India,” he said after a ceremony in which Sister Alfonsa, India’s first woman saint, was canonised.

Analysts point out that there could be a political dimension to the crisis. Christians, comprising 3 per cent of Iraq’s population of 26 million, are demanding reserved seats for minorities, ahead of the provincial elections scheduled next year.

Christians trace their ancestry in Mosul to 1,800 years. According to some estimates, Mosul was home to 20,000 Christians before the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003.

However, their numbers since have shrunk by half, mainly due to migration either in the neighbourhood or abroad.