Baghdad, Iraq, Aug 1, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Fourteen Iraqi Christians were believed dead last night at least 60 wounded in Baghdad and Mosul and after car bombs exploded at five churches. The churches were crowded with people for evening services.
“These were the actions of terrorists,” said Bishop Rabban al Qas of Amadiya in a telephone interview with AsiaNews. This terrorism and fundamental Islam, says the bishop, are influenced by foreign groups.
“These are not the actions of Iraqis; Iraqis have never done these things,” he said.
In the last few months, several liquor shops, owned by Christians, were attacked. But yesterday’s explosions clearly indicate an escalation in the violence.