Iraqi Christians see church bombings as an unsubtle message: Get out

November 30, 2009

The methodical bombing of two Christian churches in Mosul on November 26 left Iraqi Catholics badly shaken. Archbishop Basile Casmoussa of Mosul said that the bombings were clearly part of an intimidation campaign against the Christian minority.

One parish church was demolished by the explosions, while a Dominican convent was badly damaged. Eyewitnesses said that the charges were laid by gunmen who entered the building and set their explosives calmly, obviously carrying out an established plan. A similar bombing had struck the bishop's residence in December 2004.

Although no one was hurt in the bombings, Iraqi Christians told the AsiaNews service that the attackes were "like a Mafia warning," explaining that they were being warned "to get out of the city."

 

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Further information:

• Mosul: Christian buildings attacked, Church of Saint Ephrem leveled (AsiaNews)
• Anti-Christian attacks in Iraq part of brutal strategy, says archbishop (CNA)