More Iraqi Christians Flee Mosul

October 15, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7671609.stm

At least 1,300 Christian families have fled the Iraqi city of Mosul after an upsurge of violence against them by Muslim extremists, the authorities say.

Thousands of people have sought refuge in outlying villages since last week after a dozen Christians were murdered, said local official Jawdat Ismail.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has vowed to protect the community.

About a third of Iraq's estimated 800,000 Christians are believed to have fled abroad since the invasion of 2003.

Mr Ismail, head of Mosul's bureau of displaced people, said food and other aid is being distributed to those who have recently left the city.

More than 8,300 people have fled the violence, blamed on Sunni militants, this month, according to the Associated Press news agency.