01/17/2019 Iraq (International Christian Concern) – The Amedi district in northern Kurdistan was bombed by Turkey 98 times during the past year, killing at least 12 people, according to the Kurdish media outlet Rudaw. At least three of those individuals killed belonged to the village of Aradnan, a predominately Assyrian Christian village which has withstood the brunt of Turkish bombings in this area.
For months, Turkey has conducted a military operation all across northern Iraq. Turkey claims that they are targeting PKK positions, but many locals point out that the airstrikes are targeting areas with no PKK presence. The PKK is a Kurdish armed group recognized by the United States as a foreign terrorist group.
Most Christians living in northern Kurdistan belong to the Assyrian ethnic group. Ethnic divides tend to keep the two groups living in separate locations. Assyrian Christians have been targeted by Turkey for genocide in the past, and Turkey’s incursions into northern Kurdistan has raised some fears among local Christians that the past may repeat itself.
Turkey has come under heavy international condemnation for conducting airstrikes that target civilian populations.
For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
