Christians Mourn Dead In Baghdad
Iraqi authorities reported that at least 57 people were killed and nearly 70 wounded during an attack by militants on the Our Lady of Salvation Church where more than 100 people were held hostage Sunday. An al-Qaida-linked group, the Islamic State of Iraq, claimed responsibility.
Sunday’s was the bloodiest in a long string of attacks against Iraq’s Christian minority since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. Many Christians have been fearful of walking the streets or even going to work and church. This latest incident has only heightened that fear.
Last May an Iraqi bishop received a letter from the General Secretariat of the Islam Supporters warning Christians in Baghdad and other areas to “leave the country of Muslims (Iraq) for good and immediately in the form of mass transmigration.” “You can follow Pope Benedict XVI and his followers who have disfigured humanity and Islam,” the letter said. “There’s no more room for you, infidels, among the Iraqi Muslims. Our swords shall be placed upon your necks and the necks of your followers and other Christians residing in Mosul.” Then in July seven churches were bombed in Baghdad and Mosul.
In this latest attack security spokesman Major General Qassim al-Moussawi said the assailants were disguised as guards working for a private security firm and carried fake ids.
“We have many question marks about how such a large number of terrorists managed to reach the church in the heart of Baghdad,” he said.
The siege ended when Iraqi security forces stormed the church.
