Iraq: jihadists expel monks from historic monastery

July 22, 2014

Militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the jihadist group that now controls one-fourth of Syria and 40% of Iraq, stormed a Syrian Catholic monastery on July 20 and expelled the monks.

Mar Benham monastery is located in Bakhdida (Qaraqosh), a largely Christian town of 50,000 located 20 miles from Mosul. The monastery dates from the 4th century, according to an Agence France-Presse report.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Jihadists seize ancient Iraqi monastery and expel monks (AFP)
• Bakhdida (Wikipedia)
• Syrian Catholic Church (CNEWA)