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Click here for the latest Top Story
November 13, 2008
Aprim Kiwarkis killed in a Baghdad explosion
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Baghdad-13-11-2008
Aprim Kiwarkis Mir Yelqo was killed on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 when a car bomb exploded in al-Naaeriya area in Baghdad Jadida (New Baghdad). The victim was an employee at the vegetable oils company.
October 22, 2008
An Assyrian Christian man and his son killed in Nineveh
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Nineveh-22-10-2008
According to news from Nineveh unidentified gunmen in a car opened fire on a Christian man and his son while they were leaving their shop in the industrial area of Mosul. The two victims died instantly while the killers fled the scene as usual.The father who worked as cars electrician was identified as Gandhi and he was a well known in the city.
May they rest in peace and may their family be consoled.
The Assyrians are affiliated with different Churches and since the U.S. led invasion in March 2003, they have been subjected to severe acts of violence and as they form the weakest link in the Iraqi mosaic, they've been continuously ignored and marginalized by the local and foreign authorities which are governing Iraq at present in addition to being obscured by the media.
October 10, 2008
Four Assyrian Christians killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR
Nineveh-10-10-2008
An Iraqi military source said four Christians were killed in two separate attacks on Friday, recording a rising wave of attacks against the religious minority in the northern volatile city.
“Two gunmen driving Opel came across two Christian individuals in al-Wihda district, north Mosul, and shot them dead after asking for identification papers,” an Iraqi army source said. The source noted the gunmen “shouted there is no place for Christians in Mosul”. Meanwhile, the same source said “two gunmen killed two Christians in al-Mithaq district, east Mosul”.
Waves of attacks have seen a spike in the northern city of Mosul, forcing a number of their families to leave the city for its northern suburbs in the lush valley of Nineveh.
The Assyrians are affiliated with different Churches and since the U.S. led invasion in March 2003, they have been subjected to severe acts of violence and as they form the weakest link in the Iraqi mosaic, they've been continuously ignored and marginalized by the local and foreign authorities which are governing Iraq at present in addition to being obscured by the mediaOctober 08, 2008
Unknown gunmen kill another Assyrian in Nineveh
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR - Sources
Wednesday, 08 /10 /2008
Jalal Moshe, another Assyrian was shot dead by a group of unknown gunmen in Nineveh. The 38 year old man was shot near his home in al-Tameem district eastern Mosul.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
The Assyrians are affiliated with different Churches and since the U.S. led invasion in March 2003, they have been subjected to severe acts of violence and as they form the weakest link in the Iraqi mosaic, they've been continuously ignored and marginalized by the local and foreign authorities which are governing Iraq at present in addition to being obscured by the media.
October 07, 2008
Three Assyrians killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Mosul -07-10-2008
Amjad Hadi Boutros and his son Housam were killed by unknown gunmen, both victims were residents of al-Sukar neighborhood in Mosul.
Also in Mosul, gunmen stormed a pharmacy and killed the pharmacist whose name hasn't been revealed. Police sources didn't provide additional information while the motives behind both crimes remain unknown.
May they rest in the Lord's peace and may their families be consoled.
October 06, 2008
A disabled Assyrian man killed in his store in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR - Sources
Nineveh -06-10-2008
Ziad Kamal, a disabled 25-year-old in a wheelchair was killed at 10:00 a.m. this morning when a group of unknown gunmen riddled his body with bullets while he was in his shop for auto parts in Mosul.
The victim's family is originally from Mosul but they had moved to Bartilla lately due to the violence in the area.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
October 04, 2008
A young Assyrian youth killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Mosul-ANA ASHUR
04-10-2008
Ivan Enwiya, a 15 year old Assyrian youth was shot near his home by unknown gunmen on Saturday afternoon. The victim's home is near al-Zahraa mosque in Tahrir district in Mosul.October 04, 2008
Unknown gunmen kill an Assyrian man inside his store
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR-Mosul
04-10-2008
Hazim Tooma Yousif, an Assyrian man in his mid 40's was killed Saturday morning by unknown gunmen inside his store in the district of Bab al-Saray.
A person close to the victim said that he worked as a blacksmith in al-Sinaeeya area before moving recently to work with his brothers in the clothing business.
Funeral services were held this afternoon and the victim was buried at the Christian cemetery in the area of Wadi Akab.September 28, 2008
An Assyrian man killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR- Sources
Mosul-28-09-2008
Bashar Nafea Tayr el-Hazeen was killed this morning at 10:00 a.m. at his work in al-Baladiyat neighborhood north of Mosul, a Nineveh police source said.
Funeral services were held for the latest Assyrian victim this afternoon at a Syrian Orthodox Church in Mosul as mentioned by a priest from the Church.
The Assyrian people belong to different Church denominations and they have been the target of continuous violent acts since the U.S. led invasion in March 2003 and since they are the weakest link in the Iraqi mosaic, they have been ignored and marginalized by those who have the ruling powers in Iraq whether local or foreign.
September 10, 2008
An armed group kill an Assyrian man in Nineveh
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Nineveh -10-09-2008
A Nineveh governorate police source who asked to remain anonymous said that a civilian was killed by an unknown armed group in al-Bakr neighborhood in eastern Mosul. It's been noted that an Iraqi army checkpoint is located 200 meters from the scene of the crime. The source added that:" The gunmen were on foot and they shot the man dead before they fled the scene".
According to the source the victim was a Christian whose father was killed a week ago. However, the names of the two victims were not released and the motives behind this latest crime remain unknown.
May they rest in peace and may their family be consoledSeptember 04, 2008
An Assyrian man killed in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Baghdad-04-09-2008
While Ibrahim Mikha Jebou was walking in one of the streets of the capital Baghdad, an armed confrontation took place between government forces and a group of terrorists during which the victim was shot and killed.
The victim was born in 1954 in the Assyrian town of Tel-Skuf (Tel-Sqeepa) and he lived with his family in Baghdad for a long time. He was put to rest on Monday, September 01st in his hometown. He was known for being a peaceful man with high morals.
May he rest in peace in God's mercy and may his family be consoledSeptember 03, 2008
Two Assyrian men kidnapped and killed in Nineveh
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Nineveh -03-09-2008
News reports from Mosul said that an armed group had kidnapped Dr. Tariq Kattan, 65 years old and that the victim's family had paid $ 20,000 dollars in return for his release but he was found killed.
Another armed group had kidnapped two days ago Nafi Haddad, who was also found dead but no further details were available as to whether a ransom was demanded or not.
The Assyrians with their various church affiliations have been the subject of abductions and killings while authorities and all those responsible aren't doing any thing to protect them when all they do is to denounce the killings.
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoledAugust 11, 2008
Assyrian man killed in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Baghdad-ANA ASHUR-Sources
11-08-2008
Caesar Anwar Hermis Gawriel, an Assyrian young man originally from the Assyrian village of Karemlish was killed today in Baghdad, the sources however did not mention any details regarding the events surrounding his death.July 10, 2008
Gunmen kill an Assyrian man in Mosul and the shock kills his mother
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR-Agencies
Nineveh-10-07-2008
Mazin Girgis Yaqou Aboona, a 34 year old Assyrian man who used to sell household items out on the street was attacked by gunmen in a car, they surrounded him, stole all that he had, then riddled his body with bullets and fled the scene. The crime took place on Wednesday July 09, 2008 in al-Darkazleeya neighbourhood in Mosul.
As Mazin's mother heard shouts of neighbours she ran out to find the body of her son in the street and as she hugged him, the shock was too powerful that she fell dead next to her son.
May they rest in peace and may their family be consoled.
Assyria National Assembly-ANA ASHUR (c) 2008 All Rights ReservedJune 12, 2008
An Assyrian man assassinated in al-Mansour area in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR-Sources
12-06-2008
Monqeth Elias Issa was assassinated on June 09th, 2008 by unknown gunmen in al-Yarmouk neighborhood (al-Mansour district) in central Baghdad. The victim was riddled with bullets and the motive for the criminal act remains unknown.
The latest victim was born in 1967, married, the father of two girls and a boy, he was also known for being a good person.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoledMay 12, 2008
Assyrian man killed in Karrada district in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation DeskBaghdad-12-05-2008
According to reports from Baghdad, an Assyrian man named Kareem was killed in Karrada district in Baghdad.The victim owned a sewing store in the Karrada district (Arkheta Market) near the nuns hospital in Baghdad and the victim was well known in the area. In the details, that as a wedding procession was passing in front of the store they clashed with an armed group and shooting began which caused the death of Mr. Kareem.
The latest victim was responsible for two families and the father of five children, one of his daughters was supposed to marry very soon but the senseless voilent acts in Iraq keep claiming innocent lives.
April 23, 2008
Malkizdak Yousif Malkizdak a new Assyrian victim
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation DeskBaghdad-23-04-2008
Another Assyrian falls victim to violence and terrorism which is dominating Iraq. On Monday, April 21, 2008 as Mr. Malkizdak was on his way to work, a group of gunmen clashed with Iraqi and American forces, in the process he was killed and there were other victims as well. In today's Iraq even seeking to provide a living has become a very dangerous task.
Mr. Malkizdak Yousif Malkizdak was born in the Assyrian town of Ain Nouneh-Northern Iraq, he spent a part of his life in Kirkuk (Arafa) until he moved to Baghdad where he was accepted in the Teachers Academy in 1973, he graduated in 1975 and settled in the city following his appointment as a teacher in one of its elementary schools until his death. The newest victim joins other Assyrians who were killed on the land of their ancestors.
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad-29-03-2008
The morning of the first day of celebrating Ressurection (Easter) Sargon went to Mar Elia (St Elijah) Church to worship. As the ceremonies ended he left to go home in order to celebrate with his family and friends but instead a group on unknown gunmen opened fire on Sargon with two bullets to the head.
He was transferred to hospital but the attempts to save his life failed and he died on the first day of Easter (Ressurection) on 23-03-2008.
March 15, 2008
An Assyrian young man killed in Bab el- Sharqi explosion in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad -15-03-2008
The explosion which occured in the area of Bab el-Sharqi in Baghdad on Thursday, March 13, 2008 claimed the life of a young Assyrian man. Funeral services will be held for Zaid Mikho on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at Mar Boutros and Paulos (St. Peter & Paul) Cathedral for the Syrian Orthodox Church located in al-Sina'aa church in Baghdad.March 15, 2008
An Assyrian woman from Bartilleh abducted
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Bartilleh-15-03-2008
An Assyrian woman from Bartilleh was abducted three days ago by an unknown group who asked for a large ransom in return for her release.It was known that the abducted woman is a mother of five children.
March 15, 2008
A young Assyrian man assassinated in Mosul as he left Church
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Mosul-15-03-2008
Rani Yousip Hanna was killed infront of Mar Toma (St. Thomas) Church for the Assyrians in al-Nour neighbourhood in Mosul on Friday,March 14, 2008 as he left Church.Unknown gunmen approached Rani to abduct him but when he resisted and wanted to escape, they shot and killed him on the spot.
Rani and his family were forced to migrate to Syria three years ago because of terrorist threats against them, but he had returned to Iraq two weeks ago in order to finish few things and then go back to Syria.The young man's body was taken to his father's hometown of Tel-Keif (Tel Keppeh) where he was buried.
March 13, 2008
Archbishop of Mosul confirmed dead by Patriarch Delly
Baghdad-13-03-2008
He is dead and for the moment I can’t add anything more. I have no news about the body”. With these few words, the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, His Most Eminent Beatitude Emmanuel Delly III, confirmed to MISNA the death of Monsignor Paulos Faraj Rahho, the Chaldean Church Archbishop of Mosul who was abducted on Friday February 29 by unknown gunmen outside the church of the Holy Spirit in the eastern sector of the city.
March 10, 2008
An Assyrian man from Alqush killed in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Alqush-10-03-2008
Bassem Matti Bodo, was killed in Baghdad several days ago at the hands of unknown gunmen who riddled his car with bullets while he was driving near al-Zayouna area.
The victim was born in Alqush in 1968, married and the father of two boys and two girls.He had been living in Baghdad at Palestine street and owned a transport company.
Funeral services were held for Mr. Bodo in his hometown of Alqush on March 08, 2008
February 29, 2008
Archbishop of the Chaldean Church in Mosul abducted, his driver and two body guards killed
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR
Mosul-Sources
29-02-2008News from Mosul reported that the Archbishop of the Chaldean Church in Mosul, Faraj Raho was abducted Friday 29-02, 2008 between 3:00-4:00 p.m. while his driver and a body guard were killed.The second body guard died in hospital.
The kidnappers are still unknown and in the details that the Archbishop was abducted as he and his companions left the Holy Spirit Church in al-Nour neighborhood following the Holy Cross prayers.
No further news are available at the moment in regards to the Archbishop's fate.
February 16, 2008
An Assyrian woman killed in Sharanish
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Sharanish / Occupied Assyria -16-02-2008
Raghad Markus was killed on Sunday,10-02-2008 when she was hit by a stray bullet.The young woman born in 1985 was married five months ago.
February 03, 2008
An Assyrian man killed in the Spindle Market explosion in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad-03-02-2008
Douglas Pnuel Shmuel is the latest victim of terrorist actions in Iraq. The Assyrian man was killed on Friday, February 01st, 2008 when an explosion occured in the Spindle Market (Souk al-Gazel) in Baghdad.
January 30, 2008
A 14 year old Christian youth abducted in Kirkuk
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Kirkuk-ANA ASHUR
30-01-2008An official source in the Kirkuk police operations mentioned that a 14 year old Christian youth was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in the area of Baghdad Road south of Kirkuk.
The source added that an investigation into the incident is under way.
January 06, 2008
A series of explosions target Churches in Baghdad and Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad & Mosul - ANA ASHUR
06-01-2008Several Assyrian Churches of different denominations were targeted by several explosions on Sunday.
The following Churches were targeted: Mar Giwargis (St. George) in al-Ghadeer neighbourhood, the Daughters of Miriam Chaldean denomination Monastery in al-Zaafaraniya-Baghdad, The Catherines Chaldean denomination Monastery in Mosul, Mar Poulus (St. Paul) Church in al-Sa'aa neighbourhood in Mosul as well as The Daughters of Miriam Chaldean denomination Monastery in al-Nour neighbourhood.
A Greek Orthodox Church in al-Tayaran square was also a target.It's to be noted that the explosions occured Sunday morning and in very close intervals.
January 02, 2008
Two Assyrian men killed in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad-Iraq
Nael Thomas Hanna was killed on January 01,2008 while he was paying his respects during a funeral in the area of Zayouna, al-Rabee'ei street .A suicide bomber blew himself up inside the place where the condolences were accepted. The victim was in his early 40's married with three children.It's also to be noted that his brother Maher (Sabah) was killed in another blast in New Baghdad two years ago.
According to sources another Assyrian man in his 20's was killed in the same blast, the victim was a university student and he was also paying his respects when the suicide bombing occured.
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoled.
It was reported that the explosion left 30 victims and 38 wounded who were transferred to Ibn al-Nafees hospital in Baghdad.
American forces kill an Assyrian Christian family in a Mosul suburb
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR- Mosul
Nineveh-Assyria/ IraqA Christian family (man and his wife) were killed in their pickup vehicle when American forces shot at them in al-Tahrir neighborhood in Mosul.
The incident took place when the victim didn't notice the citizens who were trying to warn him about an American patrol and as he drove by, the American forces opened fire and the man and his wife were killed in cold blood. The bodies remained in the vehicle until an ambulance arrived at the scene.
An official source in Nineveh confirmed the incident this afternoon 31-12-2007 and said that the American forces killed the two victims following an explosion which targeted their patrol in al-Tahrir neighborhood north-east of Mosul.
December 09, 2007
Two Assyrian Christians murdered in Basra
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Basra / IraqUsama Fareed and his sister Maysoon Fareed, residents of Basra were murdered on Sunday 2007-12-09 in the city of Basra- southern Iraq, by an unknown terrorist group.
December 09, 2007
Christian girl killed by gunmen in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Ninewa
Sunday , 09 /12 /2007
Ninewa, Dec 9, Unidentified gunmen killed a Christian girl in the area of al-Nabi Younes (the prophet Jonah) in central Mosul on Sunday, a police official said.
"Gunmen in a vehicle opened drive-by fire at the 24-year-old Christian young girl at al-Nabi Younes market, killing her instantly," Brig. Muhammad Abdul-Aziz al-Wakkaa, the director of Ninewa police operations room said. "The girl's body was removed to the morgue in Mosul," Wakkaa said, not giving further details on the incident.December 06, 2007
Three Assyrians from Baghdida killed in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad
06-12-2007An explosion in al-Karada district in Baghdad claimed the lives of three residents from Baghdida. The three victims are Haitham Sabeeh Toma born in 1975 and a father of two small children, Amer Aziz Hashko and his sister who were in the capital preparing for the wedding of Amer which was supposed to take place in three days.
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoled.
December 01, 2007
Assyrian woman from Baghdida killed near al-Khales
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdida
On Friday November 30th 2007, Lucia Matta Jameel was on her way back from Baghdad to her hometown Baghdida when she was shot in a cross fire between Iraqi forces and gunmen. The shooting took place in al-Khales, an area north of Baghdad and Lucia was transferred to a nearby hospital in the area where she was pronounced dead.
November 28, 2007
Abduction of an Assyrian monk in Tor Abdin/south-east Turkey
Sources from Turkey informed that the Assyrian monk Daniel Safji disappeared on his way back from Midyat to his residence in Mar Yacoub (St. Jacob) Monastery in the village of Saleh.Monk Daniel Safji is a priest of the Syrian Orthodox Church denomination.
Later on his disappearance was confirmed as being an abduction when unknown sources contacted both Mar Gabriel and al-Zaafaran Monasteries demanding a ransom of $300.000 dollars for his release.
No further information is available at this point regarding the monk's fate.
November 08, 2007
Car bomb explodes in Assyrian town of Tel-Skuf
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Tel-Skuf / AssyriaA car bomb exploded on Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. in the town of Tel-Skuf near a Kurdish (Democratic) Party (Democratic). Tel-Skuf administratively follows Tel-Kef (Tel-Kepeh).
Preliminary results of the blast caused the death of a woman who used to work in daycare nearby and injured several other persons, in addition to destroying a part of the Tel-Skuf club building near shops and a building for nuns. It's worthy noting that the explosion occured in a residential area near an elementary school.
*ANA ASHUR: The Political Bureau had already issued statements condemning bombings which had occured in Assyrian villages and towns which targeted again Kurdish party offices. These parties don't take into consideration nor care for innocent lives lost every time such an explosion happens because of the presence of these Kurdish parties.
We repeat again that all the Kurdish party offices in our Assyrian villages and towns must be closed because it is an added fear and burden on our Assyrian people with all their denominations, since the first aim behind these Kurdish offices is to control and plant Kurdish thinking in the minds of future Assyrian generations in order to suppress in them the Assyrian national spirit and this is entirely refused.
We leave to the readers and those who follow events to decide who stands behind and who are the sole beneficiaries from such explosions
October 30, 2007
Assyrian man killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Mosul-ANA ASHUR
Khaled Giwargis Sako was killed in al-Hadbaa neighborhood in Mosul.He was a member in St. Paul's Church group.
The victim had returned home from work when several shots riddled his body in front of his house, but the fatal wound was a bullet to the head. Khaled Giwargis Sako was born in 1971, married and father to three children, a boy in 4th grade, a daughter in 1st grade and another daughter in kindergarten.
October 27, 2007
Assyrian man from al-Karrada murdered in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad-ANA ASHUR
Behnan Rehana al-Bijwaya, was approached on Septermber 27, 2007 by a group in police uniforms who claimed to be from the Ministry of Interior but instead he was abducted and his kidnappers demanded a ransom of $ 250000 which was reduced to $ 50000 Dollars. However, after they stole his car, his body was found on October 22, 2007 with apparent and visible torturing marks on it.
The victim was 45 years old, married and was a resident of al-Karrada district in Baghdad.
October 25, 2007
Assyrian surgeon kidnapped in New Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad
Dr. Khaled Boulus was abducted by unknown gunmen Wednesdy from his clinic located within the doctors compound in New Baghdad.There aren't any further news regarding this latest abduction.
Dr. Boulus is from the Assyrian village of Batnaya situated 12 km from Mosul.
October 24, 2007
Assyrian man from Batnaya abducted
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Batnaya
As he was shopping in the city's market, Khaled Habib Shaaya Zanbor was abducted Tuesday in Mosul.
The kidnappers contacted his family today and asked for a ransom of $20000 dollars for his release.
Khaled is married and father of four childrenAnother Assyrian man abducted near Kirkuk
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdida
Anmar Sleiman Yacoub Kasko was abducted near al-Howaija west of Kirkuk as he was driving back to Baghdida after finishing some work. The kidnapped man was born in 1988 and lives in the Assyrian town of Baghdida (Baghdedeh).
October 22, 2007
An Assyrian man killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR - Ankawa
Fawzi Aukania Apas was killed in Mosul today as he was driving in his car from Arbil.The victim was riddled with bullets in his car by unknown gunmen. The late Mr. Apas was born in 1968, he was married, a father of five children and was living in the Assyrian town of Ankawa.
His body was taken the same day to Mar Giwargis (St. George) Assyrian Church of the East in Shurash-Arbil where funeral services will be held.
October 21, 2007
An Assyrian young man from Ba'ashiqa killed by national guard bullets
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Ba'ashiqa-ANA ASHUR
Ayman Abdullah Ishaq Hanna, an Assyrian young man and the son of Fr. Abdullah Hanna, parish priest of St.Shmouni Syrian Orthodox Church in Ba'ashiqa was gunned down by a group of the national guard units as he was returning Saturday from Dohuk (Nohadra) to his home town.
It's believed so far that the killing happened by mistake, meanwhile funeral services for the victim were held Sunday morning at St. Shmouni Syrian Orthodox Church and the victim was laid to rest.
Two Assyrian young men abducted in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Mosul-ANA ASHUR
Rami Talal Khaddo (20) and Duraid Saadi Matti (22) were kidnapped in Mosul yesterday. The two young men are general laborers, they're from the Assyrian village of Bartilla and they used to work in Mosul
October 19, 2007
Armed gunmen kill an Assyrian man in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad
On Friday, October 12, 2007, as Najah Salman Allous left his home in Baghdad al-Jadida (New Baghdad) going to work in his car on the Baghdad-Dora freeway, he was attacked by gunmen for no reason, they riddled him with bullets while in his car killing him instantly. According to police sources his body was found 3 days later on the freeway.
The victim was married, father of five children and a parishioner of the Chaldean Church, he was born in the Assyrian village of Telkef (Tel Kepeh) in 1960, was a graduate of the Industry School/Mechanics section.
October 14, 2007
Two Assyrian men abducted in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad
Nassim (Jimmy) Nouh Behnam and Nashwan Shaker Shaba were abducted by an armed group in Baghdad on Sunday morning.
The two Assyrian men are from the village of Karemlesh and they work in a local company in Baghdad
October 13, 2007
Two Assyrian Priests abducted in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Mosul
Two Assyrian priests from the Syriac Church were abducted around 4:00 p.m. as they were heading from al-Thawra neighborhood to conduct mass at St.Fatima Church in al-Faisaliya neighborhood.
The two priests are Fr. Pius Affas and Fr. Mazen Eshou
October 12, 2007
Maysar Mansour Behnam al-Hanna Raheel murdered in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR- Karemlish
Mr. Maysar Behnam was abducted by unknown gunmen on Thursday in Baghdad and he was found dead on Friday,12-10-2007. His body will be taken for burial in his village Karemlish. The victim had a brother named Malik Mansour and he was also murdered in Baghdad few months ago.
Another victim is added to the long list of innocent Assyrian victims and their death will once again be registered as murdered by unknown.
October 09, 2007
An Assyrian man killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Mosul
Following the Sunday service in al-Tahira (The Chaste) Church in Mosul and after serving in the Mass, Bassam Yousif Elias left the Church and he disappeared. For days no one knew any thing about him until his body was found days later thrown in the street in one of Mosul's neighborhoods.
The barbaric acts of violence against the Assyrians (all denominations) continue while they remain to be passed on as against unknown assailants.
October 08, 2007
Two Assyrian men murdered in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR- Baghdad
Two Assyrian men were murdered in the capital Baghdad at the hands of un identified armed gunmen.
They were identified as:Samir Estephan Mikha Duda-assassinated on 3 \ 10 \ 2007.
Franso Ishak-assassinated on 7 \ 10 \ 2007.
October 01, 2007
Two Assyrian brothers abducted 4 months ago still missing
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad
An armed group abducted Duraid and Firas Hanna Nasser on May 31-2007 in Dora- Baghdad, Asia neighborhood in Mar Yacoub (St. Jacob) street where they resided. Duraid was born in 1975 and Firas in 1976.
It's been 4 months since their abduction and there hasn't been any news as to their fate
September 29, 2007
A frightful car bomb explosion shakes the Assyrian town of Baghdeda
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdeda
A horrific car bomb explosion shook the Assyrian town of Baghdeda around 1:00 p.m. Iraq time. According to the preliminary reports the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber in a pickup truck and it happened inside the market facing al-Rafidain bank in the town's center.
As per first reports at the scene three policemen were killed and two civilian residents from Baghdeda, they were identified as Evan Yousif Zora and Rabie Sabah Shandakh while the wounded whose number was estimated at 15 were transferred to the hospital with one of them being in a serious condition.
According to eyewitnesses, the police sealed off the area as the casualties were being transported to the hospital. However, no official statements or comments were issued by security authorities until this moment.
Baghdeda is an Assyrian town with a population of 30.000 who are Christians and the centre of al-Hamdaniya district. It's located about 20km north-east of Mosul
September 27, 2007
Another Assyrian young man from Bartilla killed
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Bartilla-Agencies
27-09-2007The explosion of a car bomb at a check point between Mosul and Arbil on Wednesday, 26-09-2007 resulted in the death of a young Assyrian man Matthew Shamoun Boutros. A number of mortar shells also fell on the explosion area.
Funeral services were held today for the latest victim who was laid to rest in his hometown of Bartilla amid tears and sorrow.
September 27, 2007
An Assyrian man kidnapped in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad-Agencies
27-09-2007Narsai Esha Youkhanna Goleat was abducted by armed gunmen at 7:00 p.m. the evening of September 24,2007 as he was heading to his home in al-Zayouna area in Baghdad.
According to Mr. Goleat's family the kidnappers demanded a ranson of $60000 dollars for his release but no further details were given.
September 18, 2007
A five year old Assyrian girl abducted in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Baghdad
18-09-2007Maha Hanna al-Bidari a five year old girl was abducted in al-Saadoun neighborhood in central Baghdad. The kidnapping took place as the mother was heading with her daughter to visit some relatives in the area when an Opel make car stopped near them and two masked men asked them to get into the car.
In her attempt to flee the kidnappers, the mother ran into one of the stores in the area but the kidnappers were able to snatch the girl away from her mother and took her to an unknown destination. Till this moment the bereaved mother hasn't heard any news about her daughter.
Maha was born in 2002, she has a twin sister and the father died six months ago as a result of the violence acts which are taking place daily in Baghdad where security is scarce and the government has proved its inability to protect the citizens.
Maha's mother was asked if she had reported the abduction, but her answer was:" To whom shall I complain? When the protectors have become the thieves". She added that she was ready to sell all that she has for the safe return of her little girl and she appealed to the officials and clergy to help her get her daughter back
September 01, 2007
A cluster bomb explodes in Telskuf's pastures
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Telskuf-Nineveh
Assyria-North of Iraq
01-09-2007A cluster bomb exploded Saturday afternoon in Telskuf's pastures in the district of Telkef (Tel Kepeh) north of Mosul.
The explosion killed a woman, wounded two girls and a little boy. A family source said:" As the sheep were grazing, the victims noticed a strange object and as they tampered with the object it exploded".
August 28, 2007
Baghdad - ANA ASHUR : Affirmation of threats against Christians in Karada
Baghdad-ANA ASHUR
28-08-2007News of threats against Christians in Karada district in Baghdad were confirmed to ANA ASHUR by informed sources. The news of threats were carried few days ago but the chairperson of Karada's municipal council, engineer Mohammad al-Rabiee had denied the existence of such news, however, eyewitnesses confirmed that threatening letters were indeed received by Christians in Karada asking them to leave the area.
ANA ASHUR puts this news to the attention of Iraqi government officials and all those who allegedly are working to protect the Iraqi people in general and in particular the Assyrian Christians with all their denominations not only because they form an important faction in the Iraqi society but also because until this moment they have been marginalized and deprived of even a fraction of their legitimate national rights in their homeland, the land of their fathers and forefathers.
August 28, 2007
A young Assyrian man killed even after a ransom was paid
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR
28-08-2007Baher Sabah Kallo was killed in Baghdad on August 20, 2007, the victim was born in 1975 and worked as a lecturer at Baghdad University.
The young man was abducted and a ransom was paid in exchange for his release but instead his fate was to be killed because treachery and crime don't know humanity.
How much longer shall the voice of innocent Assyrian victims be silenced in all regions of Iraq between the disregard of a local disabled government and the international blindness of paralyzed nations?
August 25, 2007
Joseph Abd Ibrahim Hermiz killed in Kirkuk
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR-Kirkuk
25-08-2007News from Kirkuk-Iraq brought another sorrow for the Assyrians, Joseph Abd Ibrahim Hermiz was killed Friday,August 24 at noon in al-Qadisiya al-Thaniya behind the public clinic.
Another senseless killing which will pass without the killers being punished while the Assyrians mourn yet again one of their own in silence when no one is hearing their cries.
August 16, 2007
Jeffrey Ramsey Boutros an Assyrian young man killed in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
16-08-2007Jeffrey Ramsey Boutros was killed on August 13, 2007 in al-Mansour neighborhood- al-Dawoodi district in Baghdad.
Jeffrey was an only child to his parents and was born in 1979, he became another victim of terrorism and joined the caravan of Assyrian martyrs who died in their homeland Iraq without any one asking or knowing about them.
August 13, 2007
Two Assyrian brothers killed in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
12/08/2007Unidentified gunmen attacked the house of two brothers Falah and Sabah Nasouri Alka in al-Karrada district of Baghdad on Tuesday, August 07 2007. The two brothers were brutally attacked before being killed. Falah died following a savage beating and torture while Sabah was shot. The gunmen fled the scene after sealing the door tightly.
Falah was 52 years old and he was a known pharmacist who ran al-Rabab pharmacy in al-Karrada district while Sabah who was 55 years old was an entrepreneur and worked in trade.
Following the completion of Forensic Institute procedures the bodies were received by their relatives and were taken for burial on Sunday August 12, 2007 at the Chaldean Church cemetery in Khan Bani Saad in the city of Baaquba.
August 12, 2007
Three Assyrians killed in Zammar
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Dohuk (Nohadra) Occupied Assyria/ North Iraq
August 11, 2007Three Assyrians killed in Zammar
it was reported that Hizni Khadida al-Margahi, Farouq Giwargis from the Naf Kindal village and Nabil Yousif from the Leevo village were killed when a car exploded in the Zammar district near al- Rabi'aa area as they were on duty in a military regiment of the Iraqi National Guard.
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoled
August 05, 2007
An Assyrian killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
August 05, 2007
Thamer Najib Azzouz killed in Mosul
On Friday evening August 03, 2007 unidentified gunmen in three cars approached Thamer Najib Azzouz in an attempt to abduct him in al-Hadbaa district in Mosul but he refused to leave his family and two little children in order to yield to the gunmen's request, and when he fought the kidnappers, they shot and killed him instantly then they fled the area.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
July 17, 2007
An Assyrian young man killed by the Kurdish Peshmerga
ANA ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR
Fadi Nizar Habash from Baghdeeda was killed this afternoon on al-Hizam road as he was in his car and a Kurdish Peshmerga force was passing. They opened fire on the young Assyrian man and killed him instantly.
Fadi Habash joins the list of innocent Assyrians who have been murdered senselessly adding more sorrow to a nation that has been griefing for centuries.
July 13, 2007
Funeral services for Amera Abdelmassih Hermiz
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
Amera Abdelmassih Hermiz was buried Friday evening in her birth town of Telskuf. Her children and father in law said that around 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening three gunmen broke into the house in Samara, two of them guarded the door while the third shot the victim in the arm, eye, and face while she held her two months old baby in her arms who was covered with his mother's blood. Amera's husband was at work when the vicious murder was committed.
The victim was born in 1972, she leaves in sorrow her husband Jalal Shaya Marogi Hayawi born in 1963, and he children: Nassim 1992, Nasma 1995, Mariam 1999, Wassim 2001, Essam 2002, Ghaidaa 2005, and baby Yousif two months.
July 13, 2007
The body of the Assyrian abducted from Baghdeeda found
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
The body of Matti Boulos Markus Moma an Assyrian from Baghdeeda who was kidnapped two days ago was found today Friday, even though his family had paid the ransom of $20000 demanded by the kidnappers but he was killed.
Funeral services were held this afternoon for the victim at al-Tahira Church.
Matti Moma joins the growing list of Assyrian Christians who have been targeted as the violence increases in Iraq and the Assyrian Christians with their different denominations are forced into a situation which they have nothing to do with, while these acts of barbarism go un punished in a country where regard for human life is at its worst and where authorities give empty promises and condemnations that go no where.
July 13, 2007
An Assyrian woman mother of 7 murdered in Samara
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
An Assyrian woman mother of 7 murdered in Samara
Mrs Amira Abdelmasih Hermiz from the village of Telskuf was killed today in her home Samara. The victim was born in 1957, married to Mr. Jalal Shaya Marogi and a mother of 7 children the eldest 16 years old and the youngest a baby two months old. Details about the circumstances of her death aren't available yet.
July 12, 2007
Another Assyrian from Baghdeeda abducted
Another Assyrian from Baghdeeda abducted
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
July 12, 2007Lubaid Majeed Sukariya an Assyrian Christian from Baghdeeda was kidnapped yesterday as he left home going to visit his fiancee in the same town.
Sources close to Mr. Sukariya's family said that the armed group who kidnapped him demanded a ransom of $50000 dollars for his release.Two days ago another Assyrian from Baghdeeda was abducted and he hasn't been released yet.
These vicious abductions have been going on for a while now against the Assyrian Christians with their different denominations in the Plain of Nineveh and have increased lately in comparison with the previous period.July 10, 2007
An Assyrian from Baghdeeda kidnapped
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
Matti Boulos Markus Moma disappeared as he left his home Monday, 09/07/2007. An unknown armed group contacted his family and claimed responsibilty for the kidnapping, they also demanded a ransom for his release.
The Assyrian Christians in Mosul with all their denominations have been subjected for a long time now to murders, abductions and forced displacements but the authorities didn't take any measures to stop this vicious campaign against this faction of the Iraqi people.
July 08, 2007
An Assyrian and his wife slaughtered
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
July 08, 2007
An American official said today Sunday that the bodies of two employees in the United States embassy were found. The two employees were an Iraqi Assyrian Christian Hazem Hanna and his wife Aneel Meskoni, who were identified by their finger prints. A high ranking American diplomat pledged to find and prosecute the killers.
The United States ambassador in Iraq, Rayan Croker said in a statement:" We declare with great sorrow the loss of two local employees who were kidnapped in May and were killed by ferocious fanatics". He added:" We will work with the Iraqi government to prosecute those responisble for this murder".
American officials said that Hanna went missing last May and when his wife went searching for him she went missing as well.
A group calling itself the Islamic State of Iraq which is lead by al-Qaida had a letter spread on the internet on May 31 alluded that the couple was slaughtered.
Murders and abductions have become the daily life of Iraqis since the invasion of the United States and the fall of the previous regime; every day tens and sometimes hundreds of mutilated bodies are found in the streets of Baghdad, however, the Assyrian Christians have been targeted for being accused of working for the coalition forces when the reality is that they have to work in order to make a living but fanatic groups are persecuting the Assyrian Christians under the watch of the Iraqi government without taking any measures to protect them.
July 07, 2007
An Assyrian young man abducted in Baghdad
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
July 07, 2007Haitham Habib Jawro was abducted today by armed gunmen before eyewitnesses in al-Baladiyat area of Baghdad. The armed gang intercepted his van which he uses for his modest business of transporting household items.
It's been reported that the kidnappers are negotiating his release with his family for a ransom. The abducted young man is married with two children.
July 06, 2007
Four Assyrians abducted in Tozkhormato
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
July 06, 2007
Iraqi police source said that four Iraqi Christians were abducted Friday by an armed group in Suleiman Pak, an area of Tozkhormato in Salaheldin governorate and were taken to an unknown destination.
The four abducted Assyrian Christians are George Isaac, his son Stewart,Shaqat Youssif and Martin Yacoub.
The four men were trying to reach their village, called Deirabun, near Zakho in Northern Iraq. Terrorists had threatened several times to kill them if they did not leave the capital. Religious authorities in the area are trying to contact the abductors.
July 05, 2007
An Assyrian killed in al-Mashtal-Baghdad
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
July 05, 2007
An armed group attacked al-Mashtal area in Baghdad near the Hydro company opening fire on the shop owners. Some shop owners were killed while others were abducted. Fathalla Hazem Batti was amongst those who were captured as he tried to escape he was shot and killed. The victim was born in 1967, married with two children and he lived in the area of Palestine street in Baghdad. Eyewitnesses mentioned that up to 8 people were killed in this attack.
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoled
July 05, 2007
Mouwafaq Philip Boutros a victim of hatred
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
July 05, 2007
Mouwafaq Philip Boutros was murdered by a group of armed terrorists who asked him if he was a Sunni but he answered "I'm Christian" that's when his body was riddled with bullets. The victim was 58 years old, married with three children. He had left his home in Baghdad three days ago and was murdered in al-Saidiya district.
May he rest in peace and may his family be console
July 04, 2007
A tragic incident in Dora:Starvation & siege killed them
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
Dora-BaghdadA tragic incident in Dora - Baghdad
George Yousif Jajjo and his wife Laila Yacoub Hermis died of starvation and siege
Hours after his wife Laila Yacoub Hermis 68 years passed away, an acute psychological trauma killed George Yousif Jajjo aged 74. The Assyrian couple were living alone besieged in their home due to the imposed blockade on Christians by terrorist groups.
The Assyrian couple lived in al-Hadar district between al-Mechanic and al-Sahha areas in Dora. They had consumed what food, water and medicine they had, thus George risked his life and left home seeking help when his wife fell unconscious, arriving at his sister in law's place they called the police, but by the time help arrived George's wife was already dead.
This tragic incident took place June 26, 2007 and it's part of the calamities befalling the Assyrian Christians with their different denominations due to terrorist acts, Jizya (head tax) demands and forced conversion to Islam.
George and Laila's story is part of the vicious campaign by terrorist groups against the citizens in the area but in particular the Assyrian Christians, while both the government and occupation forces have failed to protect them.
July 04, 2007
An Assyrian from Baghdeeda murdered in Baghdad
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
03/07/2007Said Elias Samaan Estephan Sheekho was murdered in Baghdad as he left his home in al-Za'afaraniya district. The victim was married and father of six children. He was buried in his home town Baghdeeda Tuesday, July 03, 2007.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled
July 03, 2007
An Iraqi Christian employee in the Spanish embassy murdered
03/07/2007
Madrid - D.B.A. - ANA-ASHUR
Sources in the Spanish Foreign Ministry mentioned yesterday that an Iraqi Christian employee in the Spanish embassy in Baghdad was found dead with three of her family members. The Iraqi Christian woman who had been working in the embassy for 10 years disappeared last friday and was thought to be abducted. The four bodies were found July 01, 2007 and they were shot.
The Spanish sources mentioned that this incident has nothing to do with Spain but every thing to do with the violence in Iraq.
It's worthy noting that the majority of Christians in Iraq are Assyrians with various church affiliations.
July 02, 2007
An Assyrian killed by a militant group
ANA ASHUR – Media & Translation Desk
2007-07-01ANA ASHUR
An Assyrian man, Amer Bahjat Mikha, was murdered Wednesday, June 27 2007 on the highway between Mosul and Baghdad when an un identified militant group stopped his car and shot him. The newest martyr added to the list of the victims of terrorism and ethnic cleansing was married with three young children, a boy in primary school and two little girls.
May God rest his soul and may his family be consoled.
June 28, 2007
An Assyrian from Batnaya abducted yet again in Mosul
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
June 28, 2007An Assyrian from Batnaya abducted yet again in Mosul
Dawood Qoryaqos Hermis Farfash was abducted in al-Tahreer district in Mosul by unknown gunmen when they fired bullets on his car's window shield, they ordered him out of the car and took him away. Two months ago Dawood was kidnapped in the same area and he was released when his family paid a ransom of 3 million 500 thousand Iraqi Dinars.Dawood is married with few children and he is the sole supporter.
June 27, 2007
Two Assyrians murdered in Mosul
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
June 27, 2007
ANA-ASHUR/ Mosul
Mosul / Nineveh- Assyria / Iraq
In a cowardly terrorist act two Assyrians were murdered in Mosul this morning. They are Zuhair Yousif Steifo born in Karemlesh 1958 and Luay Suleiman Numan born in Mosul 1986.
The two martyrs were members of Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoled
June 20, 2007
Eight Assyrian university students kidnapped
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHURJune 20, 2007
Police reports mentioned that 8 Assyrian Christian students and a lecturer were kidnapped in North of Iraq today. According to the police report a group of armed men abducted the students from a bus east of Mosul as they were heading back home after finishing some exams. The Assyrian Christians have continuously become a target for armed groups without any concrete steps being taken on the part of the authorities.
Thousands of Assyrian Christians have fled Iraq in recent years and joined about two million Iraqi in neighbouring countries looking for relatively safer living conditions.
June 20, 2007
An Assyrian from Baghdeeda murdered
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
June 20, 2007An Assyrian from Baghdeeda murdered in Mosul
Anmar Akram Raffo Yaqou was murdered Tuesday June 19 by an armed group in al-Wihda district in Mosul as he went to check his home which he had left because of the security conditions in Mosul. He was buried yesterday in his village Baghdeeda.
The newest victim's name is added to the long list of Assyrians who have been murdered at the hands of terrorists he was born in 1979, married and the father of two children (twins).
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled
June 19, 2007
Two Assyrian men from Batnaya abducted
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Two Assyrian men from Batnaya were abducted Monday afternoon from their work in Mosul. One of them was released hours later after a ransom was paid while negotiations are still going on between the parents and the kidnappers of the second man.It's noted that during the past few months dozens of Batnaya's residents were abducted by armed groups.
June 19, 2007
More Assyrian Christian families flee their homes
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
June 19, 2007More Assyrian Christian families flee their homes
Terrorist groups continue their campaign against the Christian families, imposing Jizya (head tax), the veil, forced conversion to Islam and the latest one forbidding the use of cell phones. Four Christian families left al-Saidiya area after receiving threats from terrorists to face “the same fate as those in Dora”. Reports mention that al-Dobbat, al-Turath, and al-Dobbat al-Thaneeya districts are the most targeted. The displaced families are obliged under very difficult economic conditions to stay with relatives, friends or take shelter in Churches in areas considered relatively safer.
June 12, 2007
Who will protect us? Is it you or Bush?
ANA-ASHUR … FEATURE
June 12, 2007
An Assyrian woman killed in Baghdad
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR
June 12, 2007Miss Nisreen Markus Hermis born in 1958 was killed infront of her house in Baghdad, the evening of Sunday, June 12 at the hands of some terrorists. This latest victim was a part of the Chaldean Catholic denomination.
May she rest in peace and may her family be consoled.
June 11, 2007
A blast in Telkef near St.Shmouni Assyrian Church
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
June 11, 2007ANA-ASHUR
News from the town of Telkef in the Plain of Nineveh mentioned that an explosion occurred near the Mart Shmouni (St. Shmouni) Assyrian Church wounding several persons in addition to destroying cars and causing material damages to the Church.
Police forces surrounded the place and began an investigation with the people in the area.
June 11, 2007
Another Assyrian killed in Baghdad
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
June 11, 2007ANA-ASHUR
On June 02, 2007 Fouad Salem Benni Bello was assassinated in Baghdad, the victim originally from the town of Qaraqosh was married to Ibtisam Jameel Habash and a father of two small children Firas 5 and Mina 3 years old.
May his soul rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
June 07, 2007
Two Assyrians from Nineveh Plain abducted
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
June 07, 2007
Nineveh PlainSamir Abd Casco from Baghdeeda and Johnny from Keremlish were abducted in the Heeth area by an armed group on their way to Baghdad. Samir is the father of seven, lives in an unfinished home, his only source of income is from his work as a taxi driver and the car is owned by one of his friends. In a phone call with his family the kidnappers demanded a ransom of $ 20000 dollars for his safe release and said that if their demands aren’t met, there would be no hope for his safe return.
June 06, 2007
A Catholic Assyrian Priest, five Assyrians kidnapped in Iraq
A Priest, and five Assyrians kidnapped in Iraq
Wed Jun 6, 2007A Catholic Assyrian priest and five young Assyrians have been kidnapped in Baghdad, Catholic news service AsiaNews reported on Wednesday, three days after the murder of another priest and three of his assistants in Iraq.
AsiaNews said the Chaldean Catholic priest, whom it named as Hani Abdel Ahad, was seized with the five in Suleikh, a Sunni neighbourhood in northern Baghdad. It was not immediately clear when the kidnapping took place.
The report cited unconfirmed rumours that a ransom demand had been made to the patriarch of the Chaldean church, Emmanuel Delly.
June 05, 2007
Extremists break into St. Jacob Church in Dora
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
June 05, 2007ANA-ASHUR- Nirgalgate
Dora-Baghdad
According to eyewitnesses armed militants broke into Mar Yacoub (St. Jacob) of Nisibin Church in Asia neighborhood-Dora, stole its contents, they also removed the steeple Cross, abducted two of its guards and took them to an unknown destination.
Another armed group abducted a guard of the Theological Monastery in Dora and he was released after being threatened and beaten after which the Monastery was closed even though its location is behind the Babel College of Philosophy and Theology which has been turned into an American military base.
June 04, 2007
An Assyrian abducted in al-Mashtal- Baghdad
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR- Baghdad
June 04, 2007Farid Boutros Gabriel was abducted three days ago with his son in al-Amin area, the officers district in al-Mashtal-Baghdad. It’s suspected that he was abducted by gunmen from al-Mahdi army. The victim was accused of collaborating with the Americans, and even though his son was released hours later but Fardi’s fate is still unknown. His family launched an appeal for his release
June 04, 2007
An Assyrian doctor abducted in al-Khales
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
ANA-ASHUR- Ankawa
Sunday, June 03/2007Al- Khales area a district in the Diyala governorate witnessed the abduction of four doctors as they were on their way to Sulaimaniya where they worked. One of the kidnapped is an Assyrian doctor from Baghdeeda. The kidnappers have asked for a sum of money ransom in exchange for the release of the abducted doctors; this is the second incident of abduction in few days.
On another note another Assyrian Mr. Saad Ablahad who was abducted by a group of armed gunmen Thursday May 31st, was released June 02 when a ransom of $20000 dollars was made and also his pickup truck was kept by the kidnappers
June 03, 2007
A Priest and 3 of his Deacons murdered in Mosul
June, 03 2007
ANA ASHUR – Media & Translation Desk
Mosul – NinevehFather Ragheed Keni, pastor of the Holy Spirit Church in AL- Noor neighborhood in Mosul along with three (3) Deacons, were murdered by unidentified gunmen, right after the Sunday Mass. The gunmen opened a barrage of bullets on the priest and his Deacons as they left the church premises
June 01, 2007
Two Assyrian men abducted in Mosul
ANA ASHUR – Media & Translation desk
01/06/2007Two Assyrian men of Baghdeda named, Sa’ad Ablahad and Bassam Musa, were abducted by unidentified gunmen on Thursday 31-5-2007, while they were in the city of Mosul shopping for their produce store. Bassam Musa, was released shortly after abducting him and he was subjected to severe beatings, while Sa’ad Ablahad was kept and taken to an unknown destination.
This is the second case of kidnapping of our people within a week where someone was abducted a few days ago and was released after payment of ransom was paid.
It is noted that cases of kidnapping of our Assyrian people in Mosul and abuse was rampant in the recent period in the absence of strong and effective role of the security forces and the daily turmoil the city of Mosul witnesses, despite the many please sent to officials
May 31, 2007
Statistics: 600 Assyrian families displaced from Dora
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
May 31, 2007
ANA-ASHUR/Nirgalgate
Dora- BaghdadAccording to reliable sources and a statistics chart prepared by some civil society organizations providing humanitarian relief in Iraq, it shows that from January to May 31st, 2007 close to 600 Assyrian families were forced to leave the Dora area in Baghdad while about 250 families fled to the Nineveh Plain or the North of Iraq and another number of families left to Syria, Jordan and overseas countries.
All these families confirmed that the main reason for them leaving, are the practices of the Islamic armed groups which are imposing Islam, and Jizya (head tax) as means to force them to flee. Other reasons cited were the daily military operations and the abductions of persons thought to have money.
Two thirds of those who fled didn’t have a chance to take any of their belongings and they left behind full households only to be looted and robbed by strangers who are in the area. It’s worthy noting that there are still tens of families left behind who are unable to leave due to financial and economic or because they fear the revenge of the armed groups.
ANA-ASHUR note: Assyrians of all Church affiliations live in the Dora area
May 28, 2007
An Assyrian man abducted in Mosul
ANA-ASHUR Media & Translation Desk
May 28,2007ANA-ASHUR/Nirgalgate
An Assyrian man from Baghdeeda was abducted Sunday May 27th, 2007 as he was doing some shopping in Mosul. The kidnapper’s identity, motives, and demands are unknown.
The identity of the man abducted and his whereabouts are still unknown but this is the second kidnapping in Mosul in the past two weeks. It’s been also noted that abductions and forced displacements have increased while the authorities aren’t taking any necessary measures to stop these vicious attacksMay 25, 2007
Assyrian students from Bartilleh threatened
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media Desk
ANA-ASHUR-Ankawa
May 25, 2007A group of armed terrorists stopped a car with young Assyrian men and women in it on the way from Mosul University to Bartilleh. The gunmen threatened the girls and demanded that they cover up with veils (hijab) while the young men were told not to sit next to the girls or they will be killed, then the gunmen threatened of shelling the car if their instructions were not met. This dangerous incident created a state of fear amongst the students especially when it is time for final exams.
May 24, 2007
An Assyrian citizen killed in Dora
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media Desk
May 24, 2007
ANA-ASHUR- NirgalgateHikmat Faraj al-Safi was killed on May 17th, 2007 at the hands of unknown gunmen as he was unloading a truck of provisions for his store in the Mechanic area in Dora.
The newest victim was born in 1952 and a father of seven children.Criminal gangs have been targeting professionals, and shopkeepers creating in the process a state of panic in order to control the area and force its inhabitants to collaborate with them.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
May 22, 2007
Gunmen threaten Assyrian students in Baghdeeda
ANA-ASHUR/Nirgalgate
May 22, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media DeskAn unidentified group of gunmen stopped a bus traveling from Baghdeeda to the Mosul University with Assyrian students on board. The gunmen threatened to kill the students if they didn’t apply the laws of Islamic Iraq which are similar to those of Taliban. It’s noteworthy that the influence of this Islamic state of Iraq has increased in Mosul lately and the government didn’t take any steps to stop it. The Christians in Mosul have been increasingly the target of many attacks and violations
May 22, 2007
American bullets kill three Assyrians
ANA-ASHUR/Ankawa
May 22, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media Desk
Funeral services were held yesterday May 21, 2007 for Jameel Hanna Sifo and his wife Muntaha Hadi Suleiman, both victims were shot by the American forces during violent confrontations in al-Baladiyat district in Mosul, they belonged to the St. Polous Chaldean Church and they were the parents of three young children, a boy and two girls.The third victim Raad Najeeb Mikha belonged to Miskinta Church in Mosul and he leaves behind also three children, a boy and two girls.
May 21, 2007
A convent in the town of Telskuf receives terrorist threats
ANA ASHUR – Media & Translation Desk
Telskuf – Nineveh / Assyria / Iraq
May 20, 2007A source has confirmed that the Telskuf convent (25 kilometers north of Mosul) received today a letter threatening the nuns to leave the monastery or it will be attacked and destroyed. It is noteworthy that the town of Telskuf is practically under the protection of the national guards with most of its personnel and officers being Kurds.
May 20, 2007
A Chaldean priest is kidnapped in Baghdad
05/19/2007
A Chaldean priest is kidnapped in BaghdadFr. Nawzat P. Hanna, parish priest of Mar Pithion, was abducted this morning in the capital’s al-Baladiyat quarter. Baghdad’s auxiliary bishop: “We will pray for his immediate release, but we will not submit to fear”. Local Christians warn of systematic plan by terrorists to “clean-up” the city quarter by quarter.
Baghdad (AsiaNews) – Yet another Chaldean priest was kidnapped this morning in Baghdad. He is Fr. Nawzat P. Hanna, parish priest of Mar Pithion, from the Baladiyat quarter. Confirmation of the abduction reached AsiaNews, via Msgr. Shlemon Warduni, Chaldean auxiliary bishop in the capital, who has invited Catholics to “pray for Fr. Nawzat’s immediate release”. The abductors have already made contact with the Chaldean Patriarchate, but as of yet there is no further news.The priest was leaving the house of an ill parishioner, when he was stopped by a group of persons who had been waiting for him, says the bishop. Msgr. Warduni is convinced that a motive for ransom is behind the abduction, but among Baghdad’s faithful the rumour has spread that this morning’s sequester is in response to the Patriarch and bishops recent denouncements of persecution against the Christian community there. “By kidnapping another priest – anonymous sources tell AsiaNews – the terrorists kill two birds with one stone: they get rich and at the same time force the Patriarch to transfer him abroad, thus giving the whole community a very strong message”.
In the meantime in the capital the witch-hunt against Christians continues. It has emerged, from what has been reported to AsiaNews, that the persecution is being carried out according to a well studied plan, quarter by quarter across the city. After Dora, Al-Baya’a, al-Thurat and al-Saydia, now it’s the turn of al-Habibia and al-Baladiyat. Those groups who subscribe to the “Islamic state in Iraq” are putting up posters which demand women wear the veil and distributing pamphlets imposing protection taxes on Christians. “They use the same technique on each and every quarter – locals tell – soon they will begin to call house to house to sequester all our possessions”. “The coalition and Iraqi forces are present on the round in these neighbourhoods – they lament – they can see what’s going on, but they refuse to get involved”. Thus many make the decision to leave their homes, packing their most precious belongings in cases and seeking refuge in those few Churches which are still open. But most are already full to capacity, forcing many families to live and sleep on the streets.
“We cannot go on living like this – affirms Msgr. Warduni – its inhuman, it’s humiliating”. And he adds “but we will not be bowed by fear, we will continue to make our voice heard and to denounce this tragedy which is the Iraqi people and above all the Iraqi Christian’s daily reality”.
May 18, 2007
Assyrian Church burned in Dora
ANA-ASHUR/Nirgalgate/Paulos Tkhouma
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media Desk
May 17, 2007Extremist armed gangs burned down the Mar Giwargis Assyrian Church two days ago in the Dora district in Baghdad. Eye witnesses reported that a terrorist group poured benzene on the structure which was almost destroyed when it was targeted by a bomb three years ago, at that time terrorists had also destroyed the steeple Cross even though it wasn’t harmed during the explosion.
ANA-ASHUR was first to report the news about al-Nour mosque Imam in (al-Taa’ma area) who is enticing the extremists to demand Jizya (head tax) from the “Nasara”, or to publicly convert to Islam, else they would have no other choice but to leave the area leaving their belongings behind.
(Nasara is an erroneous term used to denote Christians).
May 17, 2007
Islamists force Assyrian families out of their homes
ANA-ASHUR – Sources
Baghdad- Iraq
May 16, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media DeskFourteen families took shelter at the Ascension Catholic Chaldean Church after Islamist groups forced them to leave their homes leaving their belongings behind while another group of families took shelter at the Mar Giwargis (St. George) Catholic Chaldean Church.
Three Assyrian families took refuge at the Mar Audisho Assyrian Church while four other families were sheltered at the Patriarchate of the Ancient Church of the East, and all these families faced many difficulties as they were forced out.
Information coming out of the area indicate that the so-called Emir in the area named Hatem al-Razzak who is also the Imam at al- Nour mosque went to the Christian families in the area and demanded that they either pay 250.000 Dinars Jizya (head tax) a month because they are Dhemmis and in return he would give them a “pardon” or one of their members would go to the mosque during Friday prayers and formally convert to Islam otherwise they have to leave their homes and every thing becomes the property of the mosque.
Meanwhile many free Iraqi voices called upon the government to take urgent measures to help these poor people and hear their cries because the situation they’re in shameful to the religion, the Iraqi society and the government officials.
May 15, 2007
Another Assyrian victim in Mosul
May 15, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media DeskA car bomb in Ras al-Jadda near Qabr al-Bint on May 10, 2007 claimed the life of Manhal Hanna Abbo as he was returning home from work. The latest victim suffered from a head injury which immediately caused his death, he was born in 1968 in the Assyrian town of Telskuf, married and father to a baby daughter five months old.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
May 12, 2007
An Assyrian family abducted near Baaquba
ANA-ASHUR/Nirgalgate
May 12, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media DeskMr. Gabriel Khamis Khamis an Assyrian citizen living in the Na’eeriya district in Baghdad was kidnapped on May 11, 2007 by unknown gunmen with his wife Feryal, his grandson Jason (4 years old) and the Kurdish taxi driver at the Habhab point near Baaquba on the Baghdad-Kirkuk road as they were on their way to Arbil-North Iraq. Mr. Khamis’s son in law and his daughters Lina, Nour and Sara were in another car but they were able to escape and report the incident at the nearest police station.
Some time later the wife and the grandson were found in the Habhab desert after they were stripped of their jewelry while the fate of the husband and the taxi driver remains unknown, while the other family members were able to unite and go back to their home in Baghdad.
It’s worthy to note that the Baghdad-Kirkuk road has turned in the past few weeks into a trap for innocent citizens specifically in the areas near BaaqubaMay 11, 2007
Two Assyrian men abducted
May 10, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media DeskOn Tuesday May, 05th 2007 two Assyrian men were abducted by unknown gunmen in Baghdeeda as they were heading to their work at al-Salam hospital in Mosul without knowing the reasons for their abduction, and their whereabouts aren’t known till this moment
It’s been noted that Mosul is one of the cities where many violent acts have been committed against Christians thus many had to leave either to Baghdad or the Nineveh Plains region
An explosion kills an Assyrian college student
May 10, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media DeskAn explosion at the faculty of dentistry in Baghdad on April 24, 2007 claimed the life of a young Assyrian student at the coll
