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Persecution News - Iraq

Update: Mother of martyred sisters dies
(November 26, 2008)

Two Christians killed in Mosul
(November 12, 2008)

Christian killed, hundreds forced to flee in Mosul
(October 15, 2008)

More Christians killed in Mosul
(October 08, 2008)

Christians killed in Mosul
(September 24, 2008)

Priest Killed
(April 09, 2008)

Archbishop Rahho Found Dead
(March 19, 2008)

Archbishop Kidnapped in Mosul
(March 05, 2008)

More Churches Bombed
(January 16, 2008)

Churches and Convents Bombed
(January 09, 2008)

Iraq Profile

Total Area:
437,072 sq. km

Population:
28,221,181 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnicity:
Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or Other 5%

Language:
Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Turkoman, Assyrian, Armenian

Religion:
Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or Other 3%

Government Type:
Parliamentary democracy

Capital:
Baghdad

Population Below Poverty Line:
Not Available

Country Reports

Priest Killed

April 09, 2008

^{Father Adel's funeral
Photos from}^Ankawa.com

Father Youssef Adel (40), an Assyrian Orthodox priest, was shot dead by unknown assailants in the district of Karradah, Baghdad on April 5. At approximately 11:30 a.m., Adel was driving to a church when gunmen in another car sped past him and opened fire. Adel was the director of a high school that was attended by both Christians and Muslims. He had been the target of threats and intimidation intended to drive him away from his post.

Pray that those who mourn for Father Adel will find strength, courage and peace in Christ. Pray that believers in Iraq will set Christ apart as Lord and not be controlled by fear despite severe persecution
(1 Peter 3:14-17).

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Iraq, go to the Iraq Country Report.