Murder in Mosul Sparks Fear and Panic

ICC Note

The killing of two Christian siblings sparked fear among Christians in the city of Mosul. The killing will discourage more Christians from returning to their homes in the city of Mosul.

11/14/2008 Iraq (Christian Newswire)-Iraqi Christians who returned to their ancient city after a wave of violence and intimidation are in shock after two sisters were stabbed to death when attackers broke into their home.

Lamyaa Sabih and her sister, Walaa, died from their injuries sustained at their house early Wednesday morning, November 12th, in the Alqahira residential area of the northern city of Mosul. Their mother, who lived with them, was also stabbed and is in critical condition. Police rushed to the scene and on arrival a security car was bombed, killing three policemen and badly damaging the Sabih family's house.

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Initial reports received by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the charity for persecuted and suffering Christians, show how the incident has sparked fear and panic within the Christian community. Christians and other minorities are saying that the incident casts doubt on the Iraqi's government's bid to improve security with a massively increased police presence.

The police were sent after a campaign of violence and intimidation against Christians last month prompted a mass exodus of more than 2,000 families from Mosul. After repeated government assurances about improved security, people started returning to Mosul, up to 500 families in the past two weeks.

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