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March 17, 2010
An Assyrian man killed in Mosul
Nineveh - Assyria - Iraq
March 17, 2010
An Assyrian Christian was killed on Wednesday
by gunmen in central Mosul, according to a police source. “Unknown
gunmen shot and killed an Assyrian man using a gun with silencer
while leaving his house in al-Saaa region in central Mosul,
heading for his work,” the source added.
“The victim, Sabah Adam, was born in 1957.
The body was carried to the morgue,” he added.
February 23, 2010
Three Assyrians of the same family killed by gunmen in
Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
23-02-2010
A security source in Nineveh said that three
Assyrians of the same family were killed Tuesday evening by
unknown gunmen. The source added: "Three unknown men knocked on
the door of the family home located in al-Sahha neighbourhood in
Mosul at 10:00 p.m., they broke into the home, isolated the girls
in the kitchen after stealing their jewelry, then shot and killed
the father and his two sons using guns with silencers".
The source added: "The three victims are the
father Ishoo Mattoka and his two sons Mokhles and Bassem, the
bodies of the three victims were taken to the forensic medicine
department in Mosul".
February 20, 2010
The body of an Assyrian Christian man found in Mosul
after a weeklong abduction
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
20-02-2010
The body of an Assyrian Christian man who had
been abducted for almost a week was found in northern Mosul city
on Saturday, according to a police source in Nineveh. “Policemen
found the body of a Christian in the area of al-Siddiq
neighborhood, northern Mosul. It showed signs of having been shot
in the head,” the source said. “Adnan Hanna al-Dahan, 55, had been
kidnapped from inside his own store, adjacent to his house, in al-Baladiyat
neighborhood, northern Mosul, on February 13,” the source noted.
February 17, 2010
Another Assyrian student found dead in Mosul
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
17-02-2010
Security forces found on Wednesday the body
of an Assyrian Christian student in western Mosul, the second body
found in less than 24 hours, according to a security source.”
Policemen found on Wednesday morning (February 17) the body of an
Assyrian Christian student in Wadi al-Ain region, western Mosul,”
the source said.
“The victim, Wesam George, was born in 1990
and was a student of the teachers institute, he lived in Mosul al-Jadieda
region, western Mosul,” the source added.
May he rest in peace and may his family be
consoled.
February 16, 2010
Gunmen kill an Assyrian University student and injure
another in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
16-02-2010
According to a police source in Nineveh province, unknown gunmen
intercepted on Tuesday morning the way of two university students,
Zaia Toma and Ramsin Shmael in al-Arabi neighborhood in Mosul. The
gunmen shot and killed Zaia Toma, a student at the Faculty of
Engineering and injured Ramsin Shmael, a student at the Faculty of
Pharmacy, the injured student was taken to a hospital north of
Mosul.
The police source added: "the gunmen attacked the two students
while on their way to Mosul University. The two students are
Assyrians and residents of Baghdad but they were living near the
Monastery of Mar Giwargis (St. George) in the northern part of
Mosul".
February 15, 2010
Assyrian Christian gunned down in Mosul
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
15-02-2010
A Christian man was killed on Monday in
western Mosul, according to a police source.“Unidentified gunmen
stormed a vegetables store of a 60-year-old Christian citizen
called Najem Abdallah Moneer Fatoohi in 17 Tamouz region, western
Mosul, shooting and killing him,” the source said.“This is the
second incident of this kind in 24 hours in Mosul,” he explained.
An Assyrian young man shot and killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
15-02-2010
A security source in Nineveh police said that
an Assyrian Christian young man was killed in Mosul on Sunday
evening. The source added that unknown gunmen opened fire at Ryan
Salem Bashir outside his home in al-Meshraq neighborhood, eastern
Mosul. The victim had just returned home from work and was
entering his home when he was shot and killed.
January 18, 2010
Second attack on Assyrians in Mosul in less than 24
hours
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
18-01-2010
An Assyrian man named Amjad Kagho has been
shot down by gunmen in northern Mosul, the second attack on
Assyrian Christians in the city in less than 24 hours, a security
source said on Monday. “At noon, unknown gunmen broke into a food
store owned by an Assyrian man in al-Sadeeq neighborhood, northern
Mosul, and opened fire on him,” the source said. On Sunday
(January 17) evening, another Assyrian man was killed by gunmen in
al-Majmoua al-Thaqafiya area, northern Mosul.
January 17, 2010
Assyrian man shot dead by gunmen in Mosul
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
17-01-2010
An Assyrian man named Saadallah Youssef
Gerges was shot down by gunmen fire in northern Mosul city on
Sunday, a local police source in Nineveh said.
“A Gunmen opened fire on an Assyrian citizen
of Mosul in al-Majmouaa al-Thaqafiya (sub-district cultural group)
area, northern Mosul, and then escaped to an unknown place,” the
source said. However, he did not give further details.
January 11, 2010
Assyrian Christian man gunned down in Mosul
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
11-01-2010
According to a security source in Mosul, an Assyrian Christian man
was killed by unknown gunmen at noon in al-Sinaa al-Qadeema area,
western Mosul. The victim was a merchant of vegetables and he was
born in 1958, he added.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
December 24, 2009
Assyrian Christian man killed in eastern Mosul
Nineveh - Assyria - Iraq
According to a security source, Basel Esho
Hanna, an Assyrian Christian, was shot and killed in front of his
home on Thursday afternoon (December 24) by unknown criminals in
al-Tahrir neighborhood in eastern Mosul,” the source said.
The majority of Iraq’s Christians, are
Assyrians, 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.
December 17, 2009
Assyrian Christian man killed
in Mosul
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
17-12-2009
Gunmen opened fire at a 33-year-old Assyrian Christian man near
his house in 17 Tammuz neighborhood, western Mosul, while he was
returning from work, a security source said.
Mosul, the capital city of the volatile province of Nineveh, lies
405 km north of Baghdad.
Ethnic Assyrians (adherents of the Chaldean Catholic Church,
Syriac Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East)
account for most of Iraq’s Christian population, along with
Armenians. Estimates for the numbers of Christians suggest a
decline from 8–10% in the mid-20th century to 5% at the turn of
the century, to 3% in 2008. About 600,000 Iraqi Christians have
fled to Syria, Jordan or other countries or relocated to their
ancestral towns and villages in the north which are under Kurdish
control.
December 09, 2009
The bodies of two Assyrian Christian brothers found in
Mosul
ANA ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Nineveh- Assyria - Iraq
09-12-2009
An Iraqi police source said that the bodies of two persons were
found in Mosul on Wednesday evening. The two bodies bore signs of
execution style shooting. Residents of an Assyrian Christian town
said that the bodies belonged to two brothers who went missing as
they were returning home from Mosul.
An officer in the Iraqi police said: "A police patrol found the
bodies of two victims with gunshot wounds and without any
identification documents, but in the pocket of one of the victims
a power of attorney was found with Christian names". The source
added that the police patrol found the two bodies in al-Sinaeya
district around 07:00 p.m.
A resident from the Assyrian town of Batnaya (20 km north of
Mosul) said on condition of anonymity that the two brothers went
to Mosul to repair a tanker truck which they owned and on their
way back they went missing. He added that he did not know the
names of the two vicitms but that they were from the Battah family
who lives in town and he knows their father.
The majority of Iraq’s Christians, are Assyrians, 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.
May they rest in peace and may their family be consoled.
ANA ASHUR - Central Media Bureau
October 13, 2009
Assyrian man murdered in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR
Media and Translation Desk
Baghdad-13-10-2009
Samer Mowafaq al-Naqqar died today due to injuries he had
sustained yesterday when he was shot in Baghdad. The victim was
born in 1974, holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
and a Higher Diploma in computer programming. He joined the
Institute of Christian Education at Babel College for Philosophy
and Theology in 2000 - 2001 when the college was located in Dora -
Baghdad. He suspended his studies in 2003 due to the war on Iraq,
then resumed them again in 2005 - 2006 at the Church of Mar Elia
(St. Elijah), then he suspended his studies once more until they
were resumed at the Church of the Sacred Heart.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
October 05, 2009
The body of
Emad Elia Abdel karim found in Kirkuk
Assyrian Karkh Slokh (Kirkuk) Assyria- Iraq
05-10-2009
Police forces found Sunday evening the body of Emad Elia Abdel
karim who was kidnapped by gunmen in Kirkuk City, according to a
local police chief. “The body was found during a late hour last
night in Domeez area, southern Kirkuk, and was taken to the
morgue,” Major General Jamal Tahir said. Police sources added
that the body had choking marks.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
September 07, 2009
ANA ASHUR
Media and Translation Desk
The body of Salem Barjo found in Mosul
Nineveh - Assyria - Iraq
07-09-2009
The body of Salem Berjo who was abducted in the city of Mosul in
August was found recently, his relatives identified and received
the body at the forensic medicine department of Nineveh. Funeral
services were held for the victim in a Church in Mosul and he was
laid to rest.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled
August 20, 2009
ANA ASHUR Media
and Translation Desk
A young Assyrian man killed in Baghdad bombings
Baghdad -20-08-2009
The Baghdad bombings which hit the Green Zone area on Wednesday,
August 19, 2009 affected the Assyrian nation with another tragedy.
Johnny Yousif Dinkha was killed near the Foreign Ministry building
where he worked.
August 19, 2009
ANA ASHUR Media
and Translation Desk
A Christian doctor abducted and a bystander killed in Kirkuk
Kirkuk (Assyrian Karkh Slokh) Assyria- Iraq
19-08-2009
A Christian pediatrician called Samir Kiwarkis was kidnapped
Tuesday evening in Kirkuk when unknown gunmen stopped his car as
he was returning home, the gunmen then pulled him out of his car
and fled the area with the doctor.
Another Christian man called Sabah Dawood Askar was killed near
his home in the neighbourhood of Shaterloo, mid Kirkuk as he tried
to prevent unknown gunmen who were trying to abduct a child from
the area, the victim was a father of three children.
The majority of Iraq’s Christians, are Assyrians, 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.
May 10, 2009
The body of the little boy Tony Edwar Shawel found
ANA ASHUR
Media and Translation Desk
Shaikhan- Assyria- North Iraq
10-05-2009
The body of the little boy Tony Edwar Shawel was found in the
vicinity of Roofia in Aqra. The child was abducted on Sunday,
03-05-2009 by unidentified individuals who had demanded a ransom
of $50,000 dollars for his release.
May the Lord's mercy be upon the little child and may his family
find solace in this great hour of sorrow.
This dirty equation has made our Assyrian people with their
different denominations the victims of treachery and betrayal
policies which silenced those who supposedly belong to the
Assyrian nation after they were paid for their silence and
cowardness. The important question remains, who will speak up for
those victims who have no voice when those who are supposed to
speak up for them have sold their conscience and slept in the lap
of the dollar and their masters ... May they be in misery and may
the curse of generations follow them.
April 05, 2009
Assyrian Christian man killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR
Media and Translation Desk
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
05-04-2009
Abdulaziz Elias Aziz was attacked in his shop on Saturday, April
04th by a group of unknown gunmen who opened fire killing him on
the spot. The victim owned a generators repair shop, he was laid
to rest at the Christian cemetary in Mosul and the third day
mourning prayers were held today Sunday by the Bishop of Mosul at
the Cathedral of Mar Afram (St. Ephraim) for the Syrian Orthodox
denomination.The victim was married with three children, one of
them disabled and his wife is pregnant, he was also known for his
good character and was loved.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
April 02, 2009
Two Assyrian Christian women stabbed to death in Baghdad
ANA ASHUR
Media and Translation Desk
Baghdad -02-04-2009
Khales Khoshaba, member of Isnad Council in Dora said in an
interview "unknown persons attacked two Christian women aged 47
and 60 years, in their home and stabbed them to death". Khoshaba
ruled out the motive to be "sectarian" adding "everything in the
house was scattered which indicates that the motive behind the
killings was theft". The murder took place at al-Mechanic
neighborhood in Dora.
Khoshaba also pointed out that in March another Christian woman
was killed in the same manner but the killers were captured by the
Seventh Brigade under the leadership of Karim Abboud.He added that
commander Abboud gave him promises to follow up on this murder in
order to arrest the killers.
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoled.
March 31, 2009
Assyrian
Christian man slain in Kirkuk
Kirkuk (Karkh Slookh) Assyria- Iraq
One civilian was slaughtered by unknown gunmen in Kirkuk city,
according to a local security source.“Today, unknown gunmen
slaughtered Sabah Aziz Sulayman, a retiree, inside his house in
al-Wassiti neighborhood, southwestern Kirkuk, before they fled to
an unknown destination,” the source said.“The body of Sulayman, a
Christian, was taken to the morgue in Kirkuk,” the source added.
Kirkuk, an oil-rich city lies 250 km north of the Iraqi capital
Baghdad.
The majority of Iraq’s Christians, are Assyrians, 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.
February 17, 2009
An Assyrian Christian young man killed in Mosul
ANA ASHUR
Media and Translation Desk
Nineveh- Assyria- Iraq
17-02-2009
On Monday evening, February 16, 2009 unknown gunmen opened fire on
Karam Mowafaq (15 years old) and his colleague as they were
working at al Midan area (al-Najareen- Carpenters) Karam died of
his wounds Tuesday morning while his colleague remains in a
critical condition at Ibn Sina Hospital. According to a Church
source funeral services were held for the victim Tuesday at noon.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
January 05, 2009
Assassination of an Assyrian woman in Dora - Baghdad
ANA ASHUR
Media and Translation Desk
Baghdad-05-01-2009
On Sunday, January 04th, 2009, an armed group attacked the house
of Mr. Shalmaneser Gibrael in al-Moualemeen neighborhood, Dora and
strangled his wife Wardeh Nicolas Zadoq, 64 years old.
The victim's husband is bed ridden since he had suffered a heart
attack some time earlier and the criminals threatened him with a
gun to his head while they tied and then killed his wife.
May she rest in peace and may her family be consoled.
December 27, 2008
The body of an Assyrian girl found in Nahla
ANA ASHUR
Media and Translation Desk
Aqra-Occupied Assyria
ANA ASHUR-Northern Iraq-27-12-2008
The body of Marlene Awimalek Aziz was found in a river in the area
of Nahla on December 24, 2008. Marlene was 19 years old, she was
born in the village of Hizana in Nahla but lived in a compound
called Azadi in Aqra. Marlene disappeared on the 15th of December,
2008 and there were conflicting news regarding her disappearance
or whether she was abducted, however, investigation is on going
but no information was released.
We have received information that a Kurdish man was stalking the
girl for sometime and that he is the one who abducted and killed
her. The girl's family has been trying to find out what happened
to their daughter from the Forensic Department where the body is
kept but their demand was refused and their efforts with the
Kurdish authority who control the area weren't successful either.
The girl's father even went to the police station where he gave
them the killer's name but he hasn't been able to do anything
regarding this abominable horrible crime.
May she rest in peace and may her family be consoled.
Assyria National Assembly-ANA ASHUR (c) 2008 All Rights Reserved
December 27, 2008
Assyrian Christian man killed in Baghdida
ANA ASHUR
Media and Translation Desk
Baghdida-26-12-2008
A guard at the checkpoint near the Church of Mar Behnam and Sarah
(St. Behnam and St. Sarah) killed an Assyrian man on Friday in the
town of Baghdida. Iraqi army Lieutenant, Sami Khamo al-Darakni
said that the victim's name was Ziyad Hanno adding that the guard
aimed at the head of the victim who was killed instantly.
During the preliminary investigation at al-Hamdaniya police
station, the guard accused of the shooting explained that he had
questioned the man's behavior who seemed drunk and was swearing as
he was moving towards the Church across the dirt road. No further
details were given.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
Assyria National Assembly-ANA ASHUR (c) 2008 All Rights Reserved
December 09, 2008
Assyrian man killed in New Baghdad
ANA ASHUR Media
and Translation Desk
Baghdad -09-12-2008
A gang attacked Mr. Amjad Tooma al-Saegh on Monday, December 08,
2008 in his apartment in al-Mashtal-New Baghdad. The victim was
brutally tortured and then strangled. The criminals stole money
and other items from the apartment before fleeing. The victim
owned al-Manahel and al-Fadi fashion stores in New Baghdad
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled
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 media
October 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 consoled
September 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 consoled
September 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 consoled
August 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 Reserved
June 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 consoled
May 12, 2008
Assyrian man killed in Karrada district in Baghdad
ANA
ASHUR Media and Translation Desk
Baghdad-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 Desk
Baghdad-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
29-02-2008
News 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
30-01-2008
An 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
06-01-2008
Several 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/ Iraq
A 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 / Iraq
Usama 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
06-12-2007
An 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 / Assyria
A 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 children
Another 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
27-09-2007
The 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
27-09-2007
Narsai 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
18-09-2007
Maha 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
01-09-2007
A 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
28-08-2007
News 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
28-08-2007
Baher 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
25-08-2007
News 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
16-08-2007
Jeffrey 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
12/08/2007
Unidentified 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, 2007
Three 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, 2007
Lubaid 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, 2007
Haitham 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-Baghdad
A 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
03/07/2007
Said 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
2007-07-01
ANA 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, 2007
An 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-ASHUR
June 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, 2007
An 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, 2007
More 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, 2007
Miss 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, 2007
ANA-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, 2007
ANA-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 Plain
Samir 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, 2007
A 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, 2007
ANA-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, 2007
Farid 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 03/2007
Al- 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 – Nineveh
Father 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
01/06/2007
Two 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- Baghdad
According 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 28,2007
ANA-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 attacks
May 25, 2007
Assyrian students from Bartilleh threatened
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media Desk
ANA-ASHUR-Ankawa
May 25, 2007
A 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- Nirgalgate
Hikmat 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 Desk
An 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, 2007
A 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 Baghdad
Fr. 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, 2007
Extremist 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 Desk
Fourteen 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 Desk
A 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 Desk
Mr. 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 Baaquba
May 11, 2007
Two Assyrian men abducted
May 10, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media Desk
On 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 Desk
An explosion at the faculty of dentistry in Baghdad on April
24, 2007 claimed the life of a young Assyrian student at the
college, Hussam Nizar Maskouni
In order to honor his memory the faculty’s dean decided to name
this year’s graduation ceremony to this young man.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled
The area of expelling Assyrians
in Baghdad widens
May 10, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media Desk
Escaping Assyrian families who have arrived to the town of
Ankawa – Arbil mentioned that the terrorists in Baghdad have
widened the area where they are deliberately expelling Assyrian
Christians to include al-Turath area near Karakh.
As mentioned in previous reports the terrorist groups are
forcing Christian families to convert to Islam, pay Jizya (head
tax) or leaving the area immediately
One of these families mentioned that they were forced out of
their home leaving all their possessions behind and the money
which they had was confiscated by the terrorists and they searched
them before they were expelled. Confirmed information from Dora
assert that the area has been virtually emptied and that what’s
left of the Assyrian Christian families are living in a state of
utter fear as their homes are shelled with mortar every now and
then
It has also been noted that banners are put up in Dora
threatening Christians to leave their homes or they will be killed
while others in al-Baya’a district in Baghdad were forced to leave
under death threats
May 8, 2007
Two Assyrian men and a taxi
driver killed in Baaquba
ANA-ASHUR/Nirgalgate
May 08, 2007
ANA-ASHUR Translation & Media Desk
A knowledgeable source mentioned that two brothers Safaa Edmond
Thomas born in 1958 married with three children and his brother
Nabil Edmond Thomas born in 1960 married with two children were
both killed as they tried to leave Baaquba to Baghdad in order to
join their families. The first victim’s family is in Mangish/North
Iraq while the other victim’s family was waiting his arrival to
Syria
The two victims had sent their families in order to save them
from the escalating violence against Christians. Both were killed
on May 05th, 2007 as the taxi they were in was left a Baaquba
garage, the taxi was stopped on the road by a group of unknown
assailants wearing the National Guard outfits, the taxi driver was
slaughtered immediately while the two brothers were killed after
they were stripped of their clothes and personal possessions. A
relative of the two martyrs, an engineer, was also kidnapped and
released two days later as he went to claim the two bodies
ANA - ASHUR
STATEMENT
Assyria National Assembly - ANA - ASHUR expresses its grief for
the loss of all innocent lives, but at the same time it condemns
and denounces what the Kurdish parties are doing by planting their
offices in the Assyrian villages and cities, exposing our Assyrian
people to increased risks in addition to what they are exposed to
daily side by side the other components of the Iraqi people.
There are no reasons for establishing such offices except to put
our Assyrian people under additional pressure making them an easy
target, when they can't deter the Kurdish parties from what they
are doing, and the explosions which occurred and continue to
happen with the latest explosion in Telskuf confirm what we have
mentioned already.
What the Kurdish parties are doing is but a completion to the
Kurdification plan to what's left of the Assyrian villages and
cities, the arrogance of these parties in the "new Iraq" allows
them to demand lands which don't belong to them neither
historically nor geographically as alleged in Article 53,
paragraph (A) of the Iraqi Transitional Administrative Law and
Article 143 of the Permanent Iraqi Constitution.
The question to the Kurdish parties is: How can they demand to
annex Kirkuk and deport the Arab citizens under the pretense of
what is mentioned in Article 140 of the Permanent Iraqi
Constitution which stipulates the completion of normalization,
statistics and referendum in Kirkuk and the other disputed areas,
while these same parties have ignored the implementation of the
same article to the other components of the Iraqi people who are
inhabiting and own these lands historically and geographically
specially the Assyrian lands ?
Will the Iraqi government and the Kurdish parties implement
article 140 of the Permanent Iraqi Constitution to the Assyrian
villages and areas which were forcibly taken by the Kurds over the
years and till today on the basis that they are part of the
disputed areas? Or will they continue their project of settling
the Kurds in the Assyrian villages and cities?
Lastly, the report which was issued few days ago by the United
Nations concerning the violations of human right and the freedom
of the press in the Kurdish controlled areas is an affirmation to
what is taking place in these areas and as the Reuters News Agency
reported on April 25, 2007 which published the United Nations
report, Dindar Zibari the Kurdish co-ordinator with the United
Nations confirmed these violations by saying:" The Kurdish
administration is aware of these human rights violations".
As the confiscation of will, public and private freedoms
continue we wonder till when shall this arrogance and these
practices go on under the pretense of an alleged democracy and an
empty pluralism?
Assyria National Assembly - ANA -
ASHUR
Central Media Bureau
April 27, 6757 Assyrian
April 27, 2007 A.D.
April 24, 2007
The continuous exodus of
Assyrians
Baghdad-Iraq
April 24, 2007 ANA ASHUR: Translation & Media Desk
Following the imposition of Islamic laws by the militants, many
displaced Assyrian families have confirmed that the situation is
getting worse specially that some armed Islamic groups have
imposed the Jizaya (head tax) to be paid by the Assyrians under
the pretence that they are living under the control of " The
Islamic State of Iraq". The amount of 250.000 Iraqi Dinars/month
has been demanded from the Assyrian families as a condition to
exempt them from going into Islam.
Abou Simon one of the residents mentioned that:" The problem
isn't with the Muslim families who are living in the area because
they are sympathize with us and are also fed up and upset at
what's happening, but the problem is in the terrorist groups who
have imposed their laws on the area". He also complained about the
poor performance of the security forces adding that " the presence
of the security forces isn't doing much since they aren't doing
any thing to implement the laws while the American forces go about
their patrols without doing any thing".
A number of families also complained that a control point at the
Mechanic area / 60 street forced people to pay 50.000 Iraqi Dinars
for every loaded truck which carried their belongings in order to
allow them to leave the area.
Many Sunni families have offered to protect their Christian
neighbours but they preferred to leave specially that the
situation has reached to the extent of publicly threatening people
of kidnapping and killing any one who helps the "rogues" who are
refusing the conditions of staying in the area (according to the
armed groups) .
It is also worth mentioning that the areas of Doura, al-Ta'amah,
al-Mu'alemeen and Public housing have been surrounded with
concrete blocs since April 2006.
ANA-ASHUR (c) 2007 All Rights Reserved
Source: Nirgalgate
April 16, 2007
An Assyrian martyr in Kirkuk
Kirkuk-Iraq
ANA-ASHUR - Translation & Media Desk
An explosion on board of a bus in the Iraqi city of Kirkuk
claimed on April 12,2007 the life of a young Assyrian man as he
was on his way back home from work. Samer Sabah Al- Tabbakh was a
deacon in Kirkuk's Chaldean Church. His father Mr. Sabah Al-
Tabbakh is the director of Kirkuk's branch of Caritas.The young
man Samer Al- Tabbakh is another martyr of the Assyrian and the
Iraqi people who are paying with their lives the ultimate price
for peace.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled
April 14, 2007
Armed groups threaten the
Assyrians to embrace Islam or leave their homes within 24 hours.
ANA ASHUR – Media & Translation desk
April 14, 2007
Doura / Baghdad / Iraq – (ANA ASHUR)
Confirmed news from Baghdad that armed groups had threatened
Assyrian families in many areas of the revival of the Doura area
in Baghdad. Especially in the neighborhood of “AL Mu’alameen” has
warned the Assyrian Christians families to leave or convert to
Islam, and within 24 hours or leave the area and not subjected to
slaughter. .. Have added our sources in Baghdad said that these
groups prevented Assyrian families to retain any of the holdings
during the departure, also issued “FATWAS” confiscation of the
property of all these families. We also learned from the same
source that the majority of those families had been threatened
escaped from their homes, leaving everything in their homes to
more secure areas in Iraq
April 13, 2007
The escalation of operations
against Christians in Baghdad
12 / 04 / 2007
ANA ASHUR – Media & Translation desk
ANA ASHUR / Nirgal Gate - Baghdad
Experienced relative stability after the conditions of
Christians, noted in the recent increase in operations targeting
Christian woman in Baghdad, where recorded cases of displacement
of the Christians in the areas that fall under the control of
Sunni religious groups, at the same time many kidnappings. The
Christians have been on the neutral side of the sectarian conflict
has not detoured ambitions of some religious groups, which
according to some eyewitnesses and victims who had been displaced
from the “Dashadesh” persons wearing white and speak the Arabic
language of non-Iraqi dialect told them that their homes must be
vacated and without taking anything from the property, and says
one of the witnesses that he had informed the local police told
him about their inability to enter into a confrontation with these
groups.
April 11, 2007
U.S. forces kill young Assyrian
in Doura Baghdad
11 / 04 / 2007
ANA ASHUR – Media & Translation Desk
ANA ASHUR / Nirgal Gate – Baghdad
An American patrol unit killed an Assyrian named Nu’man Matti
Nu’man
on the second day of Easter, April 9, 2007 in the Doura area in
Baghdad, the incident took place when the American patrol ambushed
his car, which was driven by the company of his son and young
daughter exposed to a barrage of gun fire by the Americans, which
forced him to pull over his car to the side of the road but the
Americans then kept on firing and he was hit in the head and died
on the spot.
The deceased didn’t know there was a curfew and vehicles ban on
that day because he did not follow the media and news to know that
there was a curfew and vehicles ban for the reason that there was
a power outage for several days in the area that he lived. The
deceased was out driving with his son and daughter which he wanted
to take his son to get a hair cut at the barbershop. The Americans
acknowledged later that the deceased was wrongly shot at and did
apologize for his next of kin and family and promised
compensation.
April 10, 2007
Kurdish Attack on Assyrians
Leaves Two Dead in Syria
Derik, Syria (AINA) -- Two Kurds lost their lives and another
four were seriously injured as a Kurdish youth gang attacked
Assyrian youth in the city of Derik, in the traditionally Assyrian
section of northeast Syria, 10 kilometers from the Turkish border.
The fighting broke out on the first of April. According to
Assyrians living in Derik a group of young Kurdish men assaulted
Assyrian girls and challenged a group of young Assyrian men to
face them.
The Kurdish and Assyrian youth met outside of town to settle
the score, equipped with knives and metal bars. In the fighting
that followed two Kurdish boys were killed and four seriously
injured. No Assyrians are reported to have been seriously injured
or killed.
Syrian police stopped the fighting and called an army division
from the area of Rmelan to take control of the town and impose a
curfew. That did not stop the Kurdish inhabitants in Derik from
retaliating by attacking and burning shops, houses and cars
belonging to Assyrians. The Assyrians have remained in their homes
for several days, afraid of sending their children to school.
Many Assyrians from northeast Syria suspect a hidden Kurdish
agenda behind the attack. An Assyrian community leader from Derik
says that the Kurdish leader in Iraq, Massoud Barazani, has
secretly donated tens of million US dollars to the Kurdish
inhabitants of Derik, urging them to drive out the remaining
Assyrians in order to Kurdify the town. The plan is to make life
difficult for the Assyrians so they will want to leave the area.
Those that do not leave would be bought out with the money donated
by Barazani.
The attack on the Assyrians of Derik comes just weeks after an
Assyrian teacher at the local school was shot dead by an Arab from
a tribe which is known to have intermarried with local Kurds. The
Assyrians believe the two incidents are interconnected and aimed
at driving out the remaining Assyrian population of the once
totally Assyrian town.
Assyrian men and women living in European countries are in the
process of donating money to help the Assyrian families that have
been affected by these attacks.
Assyrian International News Agency.
April 05, 2007
The Kidnapping of an Assyrian
Engineered by Armed Militia
On Tuesday the 3rd of April at 01:30, Fredrick John Shimshon
Al-Bazi, an Assyrian engineer, and an expert in mineral resources
was kidnapped by unknown armed militias as he was returning home
from his office in Amiriya.
Al-Bazi was born in 1943, and he completed his postgraduate
studies in civil engineering in Briton. He served his country
since 1967; more than 39 years; as an academic in Baghdad and Al-Mustansiriya
Universities, as an executive director of one of the main bureaus
concerned with irrigation and reformation, and as deputy minister
for Iraqi Mineral Resources.
According to eye witness reports Al-Bazi was kidnapped by fully
covered and armed individuals riding an Opal vehicle. They also
reported that he was beaten severely before he was taken away.
Again the adversaries of humanity demonstrate their deep hatred
towards the indigenous people of the land, the heirs of the
Assyrian nation. The nation that sacrificed and continues to
sacrifice everything that is dear, for the sake of our beloved
Iraq : the land of our forbearers.
The victim Haskial Isaac Raikany was
assassinated by a terrorist group in Baghdad.
The latest victim was from the Assyrian village of Telkief in the
North of Iraq. Haskiel was assassinated in front of his home in
Baghdad. The insurgents shot him to death, as he was attempting to
move his family and belongings back to Tilkief.
May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort and
consolation.
Haskial Died to protect his family from the
terorist groups, threatning the Assyrian Christians in Iraq and
shooting them to death if they decide to move to the north with
there belongings.
Assyria National Assembly © 2006 All rights reserved
November 28, 2006
Abducted priest released
According to news from Baghdad, Fr. Douglas Yousif Al-Bazi who
was kidnapped about 10 days ago has been released un harmed
November 23, 2006
An Assyrian taxi driver abducted and killed
Mr. Ishmael Behnam Majeed al-Qas Ishak was abducted a month and
half ago on the road between Baghdad and Amman near the
Iraqi-Jordanian border, yesterday his body was found at the
Institute of Forensic Medicine (Ma'had al-Tibb al-Adli) in Baghdad
The victim was from the Assyrian town of Baghdida married and a
father
of three children. He was a taxi driver between Baghdad and
Amman
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled
ANA- Translation and Media desk
Assyria National Assembly © 2006 All rights reserved
Source: zahrira
November 22, 2006
Threats and extortion force Caritas Mosul to shut down
One of the Caritas workers explains what happened: they wanted
money for the resistance to US occupation. The Church and
Christians are the preferred target of those who want easy money.
A theology course for lay people is holding out: it has
transferred from Mosul to a safer area.
Mosul (AsiaNews) – Caritas Mosul has been forced to close its
doors because of continued intimidation and insistent requests to
fund the activities of a local Muslim group. AsiaNews heard this
from one of its workers, who was compelled to leave the city for
fear of reprisals. The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous,
worked as a social researcher for the Catholic organization from
1995 to September, when the “agony” of Caritas started.
She said: “At the beginning of the month, our leader received a
phone call at home from a Muslim group that was well aware that
the telephone at the centre was not working as it needed to be
repaired.” The young woman continued: “The group did not identify
itself by name. First the caller recited a verse from the Koran
and then asked us to give the group money to support resistance to
the American occupation of Iraq.” The person talking took care to
stress that he “knew all the activities of the centre perfectly
well, the number of employees, their precise identity and he did
not want to hear any fuss. We tried to explain to him that as
Caritas, we do not have funds for our activities except donations
from believers who help us to support only those who are most in
need.” But there was nothing to be done: “They told us that what
we were saying was untrue and that the Church could give money,
because the Church is rich.”
Finally, after several phone calls, the Muslim group issued an
ultimatum for the delivery of “as high a sum of money as
possible”.
In the week when negotiations were taking place, however, there
was the address of Benedict XVI at the University of Regensburg
and the exploited controversies over his alleged offence to Islam.
“They were very angry and they called us, asking to speak to the
bishops of the city to tell them they should express disapproval
of the pope’s words in Germany.”
When the threats became more and more insistent, the director
told the group Caritas could only give 1,000,000 Iraqi dinars, but
no more. “Naturally this was not enough and they asked us to
increase the sum but after the umpteenth refusal on our part, they
were convinced and accepted the offer. We had no choice, but since
then the centre had to close as it was impossible to continue in
such conditions.”
Since the start of the war, Caritas in Mosul never stopped its
activities, not even for one day. The organization used to look
after homeless people and 90% of its work catered for Muslims. The
work of Caritas continues in Baghdad, in Christian villages of
Nineveh and in Kurdistan.
Although the Iraqi Church is facing increasing trials, it has
not lost hope of pressing ahead with its mission. Insecurity
prevailing in the area obliged the diocese of Mosul to suspend a
theology course for lay people that was being held in the city.
But sources of the Chaldean community said this was only a
temporary problem as the course will be transferred to a
neighouring safer village
November 21, 2006
An Assyrian politician assassinated in Iraq
The head of the Independent al-Syrian Assembly movement Mr.
Eshoo Majeed Hadaya was attacked and shot to death by unknown
assailants as he left the headquarters of his movement in Baghdida
– The Nineveh plain. More details will be posted as they become
available
May he rest in peace
Assyria National Assembly © 2006 All rights reserved
English translation Assyria National Assembly
Source: Ankawa.com
November 20, 2006
Baghdad: priest missing, feared kidnapped
There has been no news of Fr Doglas, Chaldean parish priest of
St Elias Church, since yesterday morning. The Auxiliary Bishop of
Baghdad says it is “very likely” he has been kidnapped. Fears are
growing that these criminal moves are aimed at striking more
active religious figures in a bid to discourage Christians from
remaining in Iraq.
Baghdad (AsiaNews) – Christians in Baghdad fear yet another
priest has been kidnapped. Fr Doglas Yousef Al Bazy - 34 years,
Chaldean – left his parish yesterday morning and has not yet
returned home.
The alarm was raised swiftly throughout Iraq and the diaspora
via the Internet and SMS: the young priest’s community and leaders
of Iraq’s Chaldean Church believe it is “highly likely” that he
has been kidnapped. If their misgivings are proved right, this
would be the latest in a long list of kidnappings targeting
Christian clerics. Not only gangs of common criminals are
suspected to be behind the spate of kidnappings.
The Chaldean Auxiliary Bishop of Baghdad, Mgr Shleman Warduni,
told AsiaNews: “Patriarch Delly and I have activated our contacts,
hoping they would give us hope but so far we have had no replies.
That he was kidnapped is a very likely hypothesis, but there is no
confirmation as yet.”
Fr Doglas was ordained some 10 years ago. Mgr Warduni described
him as a man who was “very active in the diocese, committed
especially to accompanying youth.” He is secretary of the
Institute for Religious Teaching and also of the Council of Church
leaders in Baghdad. A few months ago, he was put in charge of St
Elias Parish.
The Auxiliary Bishop said: “There are many theories about why
Christians are kidnapped: crime, religious fanaticism, money, the
intent to create division among the people.” He continued: “We
hope that those who have taken him have a conscience and
understand that we priests desire only to bring the Good News to
people and to work for the good of all Iraqis. We are for the
unity of Iraq and we ask to be able to work together with our
co-nationals to rebuild our country and to attain peace and
security.” However, among the Chaldean community, the idea is
increasingly taking hold that threats and kidnappings are not
carried out indiscriminately, but that they “target those people
who are most involved in the Christian community, the younger and
more courageous ones, almost as if to give a warning to those who
persist in hoping that they will be able to continue living in the
country.”
AsiaNews sources said the situation in the country has become
“unbearable”. Christians rarely leave their homes but they are not
the only ones to suffer. They say: “No place is safe anymore. Even
workplaces are no longer safe. In recent months, bakers have been
killed in Baghdad just because they formed typical rhomboidal
shaped loaves, in the vague semblance of a cross.”
Finally, Mgr Warduni made an appeal to the likely kidnappers of
Fr Doglas: “If you have a conscience and believe in God, do not do
him any ill and free him as soon as possible, safe and sound.”
-----------------------
November 19, 2006
A young Assyrian Christian murdered
The young man Arkan Sabah Yousif Kassab was abducted on
November 22,2006
He was murdered the same day that he was abducted but his body
wasn't found until few days ago
Condolences will be accepted in his uncle's home in the Karada
district in Baghdad
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled
Assyria National Assembly© All rights reserved
Source: News agencies
______
November 12, 2006
An Assyrian Christian school director murdered
According to a Mandaean website a Christian school director and
a Mandaean teacher were murdered at the hands of a group of
murderers
The two victims were killed at Agadir School for girls in al-Sayyidiya
district in Baghdad
May they rest in peace and may their families be consoled
Assyria National Assembly Translation and Media Desk
Assyria National Assembly © All rights reserved
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2006
The Assyrian Seyfo in Hakkari and Urmia - 3/3
By Prof. David Gaunt
Captured documents show that the Kurdish chiefs termed this the
era of the "Great Jihad."
Mar Shimun managed to get a message through to
the German consul in Mosul stating his fears that
the Muslims were preparing a "general massacre
of Christians and have partially already begun"
and the consul pleaded with the German ambassador to pressure
the Ottoman government to intervene with the Kurdish sheiks.
Instead, the Kurdish tribes were soon reinforced by Ottoman troops
retreating from Iran after having lost the crucial
battle of Dilman on May 1. Assyrian and Armenian volunteers,
under Antranik's command,
played a decisive role and this increased the desire
for revenge in the defeated army. The Assyrian tribes halted the
Ottoman troops that had expected to march to Mosul along the Zab
River in order to
regroup, so instead they had to go west over the
high mountains. On the way they slaughtered
whatever Christian village lay in their path.
According to many reports the Assyrian
tribes issued on May 10 a sort of "declaration of
war" against the Ottoman government, although
the text of this document is not known. It may
have been in the form of a solemn pledge from the
various tribes to combine forces and to coordinate efforts with
the Russian army that was
advancing just to the north. However, the Hakkari area is large,
with very difficult terrain and it was obviously not easy to
decide to concentrate,
as it would mean abandoning some of the most
peripheral tribal areas. This affected especially
the Jilu tribe as its homeland was along the eastern border, and
the forces were to center around
Diz with its precipitous mountains. Resistance to
the idea of concentrating the tribes resulted in the
fatal mistake of assassinating the Jilu leadership at
the worst possible moment.
The Ottoman government planned a major
invasion of Hakkari to begin in early June. The
chief commander was Haydar Bey, the vali of
Mosul, who took fresh troops armed with field
artillery and machine guns up from the south.
Haydar's plan involved a coordinated effort with
three Kurdish tribal leaders: the emir of Berwar
striking from the west against Lizan and Lower
Tiyari, Said agha from Julamerk going against
Upper Tiyari, and Suto agha of Oramar attacking
the Jilu and Baz tribes. The invasion began on
June 11 with attacks on the large Assyrian villages of Ashita
and Sarespido. The population fled. The Jilu had a very difficult
time as a great
number of their men were away working, and they
suffered heavy losses at first. The new chief,
Malik Qambar, retreated with his tribe into Iranian territory on
June 20 and most of the warriors
volunteered to join the Russian army.
The other tribes gathered around Mar
Shimun and held off the advancing Ottoman invasion, but had to
pull back into the high mountains,
abandoning their villages and destroying bridges.
Many warriors died in suicidal attempts to delay
the enemy, and although the Assyrians won most
16
skirmishes they were outnumbered and outgunned. By the end of
June the Assyrians were in
the high mountains where there was little food
and no shelter. Expected help from the Russians
did not materialize. On the order ofTalaat pasha,
Haydar Bey imprisoned Mar Shimun's younger
brother Hormuz and threatened to execute him if
the tribes did not surrender, a demand that the Assyrian leader
rejected whereupon his brother was
executed in late July. Running out of ammunition
and perceiving their impossible situation, the
tribes fought their way into Iran arriving on the
Salmas plain, where a huge refugee camp was set
up. The survivors that arrived with Mar Shimun
numbered between 20 and 25,000. Some 10,000
had been left behind. This figure refers to the Tiyari, Baz and
Tkhuma tribes but does not include
the survivors or losses from the Jilu who had fled
earlier. Although help came from Russian, Armenian and American
relief agencies, the Salmas plain proved to be a bad place for a
refugee camp
and many died of malnutrition, infected water and
disease during the following winter.
The Assyrian warriors entered Russian
military service and participated in several campaigns. They
formed into two detachments one
commanded by David (d. 19??), the brother of
Mar Shimun, the other by Agha Petros (d.1932),
who had been the main intermediary between the
Assyrians and the Russians before the war. Assyrian troops
became particularly noted for a concerted effort to regain the
Hakkari Mountains in
1916, but although they badly mauled the Oramar
Kurdish tribe and destroyed its fortress, they
could not affect a permanent takeover.
When the Bolshevik Revolution occurred
in November 1917, the Russians withdrew from
the war. In Urmia the Assyrian volunteers took
over defenses and most of the ammunition and
supplies left by the Russians and some of the antiBolshevik
officers remained as advisors. From
mid-February 1918 a council of Christian representatives led by
Mar Shimun ruled the town but had difficulty working together.
During this time
the Assyrians were approached by the French and
British governments to coordinate with the allied
military campaigns. In return they were given
assurances of receiving their own independent state after the
war. The Assyrians agreed to work
with the British, but this step proved a disaster.
The British wanted the Assyrians to combine with
the local Kurdish warlord Simko of the Shikak
tribe. At a meeting on February 25, 1918 Simko
had Mar Shimun and many other Assyrians
gunned down. Members of the Iranian government, who feared the
creation of an Assyrian
state, instigated this deed. After this Agha Petros
became the unquestioned military and political
commander. But the Assyrians were isolated
from contact with the Allies.
A further British-related catastrophe came
when Agha Petros was ordered to bring his division south to join
a British detachment. Suddenly
in August, during his absence Urmia was once
again surrounded and attacked by a combination
of a large Ottoman army and Kurdish tribesmen.
Defenseless, almost the entire Assyrian population of the town,
which had swelled with refugees to about 70,000 persons, began a
several hundred
mile long march south towards Hamadan, where
they expected protection from the British. Along
the way the column of refugees was under incessant attack by
Kurds.
Thus the genocide perpetrated in Urmia
and Hakkari threw together two important groups
of Assyrians. Many events conspired to defeat
Assyrian aspirations to maintain their relatively
independent community. But the most significant
was the conspiracy between the Ottoman forces
under the CUP and the Kurdish tribes on both the
Ottoman and Iranian sides to destroy this ancient
community.
The Red Crescent: Six thousand families left to Dohuk (Nohadra)
October 17, 2006
ANA- Translation and Media desk
The head of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society in Dohuk, Abd al-Majeed
Shukri Qasim mentioned that six thousand families from different
Iraqi governorates fled to Dohuk during the recent weeks due to
sectarian violence. He added that most of these families are
Christians who trace roots to the area.
The Society distributed aid to these families which included
blankets, tents, food rations, school bags, household items,
women’s clothing, and shoes for children.
ANA - Note: These Christian families trace their roots to their
ancestors the Assyrians.
Arabic source: Sot al-Iraq
------
November, 05 2006
120 Assyrian bodies discovered in Turkey (Genocide
victims
Turkish Gendarmerie has instructed local villagers of a
southeastern region to keep silence about a mass grave, discovered
on October 17, that might contain remains of Armenian Genocide
victims. According to a Kurdish newspaper published in Turkish
Ulkede Ozgur Gundem, villagers from Xirabebaba (Kuru) were digging
a grave for one of their relatives when they came across to a cave
full of skulls and bones of reportedly 40 people. The Xirabebaba
residents assumed they had uncovered a mass grave of 300 Armenian
villagers massacred during the Genocide of 1915. They informed
Akarsu Gendarmerie headquarters, the local military unit, about
the discovered remains. Turkish army officers, according to the
Kurdish newspaper, instructed the villagers to block the cave
entrance and make no mention of the remains buried in it. The
officers said an investigation would take place. The newspaper
reported on the developments and the Turkish military's attempt to
hide the news. Journalists, who had arrived to obtain more
information, were denied access to the cave.
As the mass burial made news, local Gendarmerie made another
visit to the villagers. The latter were pressed to report the name
of the person who leaked the mass burial discovery to the press.
The villagers were warned not to show anyone directions to the
cave. The victims of the mass grave, according to Sodertorn
University History Professor David Gaunt, are most likely the 150
Armenian and 120 Assyrian males from the nearby town of Dara (now
Oguz) killed on June 14, 1915
Christians of Mosul fearful
October 17, 2006
ANA – Translation and Media desk
Following the beheading of Father Boulos Eskandar, the
Christians of Mosul are fearful that more violence will be
directed against them and even though violence increased in Mosul
since the arrival of the multi-national forces to the city but the
Christians are more fearful because of their faith.
According to Father Hanna Gabriel (48 years) the violence
against the Christians isn’t limited to the armed groups but also
includes some members of the Iraqi police, and he asserted that a
police patrol stopped a school bus belonging to the Church,
checked the identities of the students and spoke of Christianity
in an inappropriate manner.
The Christian students believe that the threats which they
receive usually escalate more during Ramadan and that is why many
of them refrain from attending school during that month. The
Churches in Mosul these days lack attendance when they used to be
crowded with believers on Sundays because people are fearful of
being targeted during Mass.
The continuous violence against the Christians in Iraq
compelled them to leave in great numbers and the French news
agency had mentioned that there were 35.000 Christians in Syria
alone with most of them being in Jarmana, Bazra and Saidnaya.
ANA – Note: The majority of Christians in Iraq are Assyrians.
Arabic source: Sot al- Iraq
An Assyrian Dr. abducted and killed in Baghdad
ANA- Translation and Media desk
October 11, 2006
A group of armed terrorists abducted and later killed Dr.
Joseph Fraidon Potros as he was heading to his work at the
Baaqouba hospital. The victim was born in 1950; he was a skin and
venereal diseases specialist. Dr. Potros was an example of
integrity both at the hospital and his private clinic at al-Sinaa’a
area in Baghdad. Many a time he wouldn't charge the patients
examination fees.
May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled.
Arabic source: Bethsuryoyo.com
A priest abducted in Mosul - Iraq
ANA- Translation and Media desk
October 09, 2006
Father Boulos Eskandar the parish priest of St. Aprim Church in
Mosul was kidnapped in al-Sinaeeya area by an armed group and
taken to an unknown area.
There has been no news about him till the moment of this news.
Arabic source: Ankawa.com
Two explosions near St. Mary’s Church in Baghdad
ANA- Translation and Media desk
October 08, 2006
The first explosion occurred at 6: 30 a.m. but it didn’t cause
any human casualties but there were material damages to the walls
of the Church and parked cars.
The second explosion resulted in the death of a police officer,
and wounding some bystanders. St. Mary’s of the Sacred Heart
Church is located on Palestine Street.
Arabic source: Faddy Kamal Yousif, Ankawa.com
A car bomb in a Christian district in Baghdad
ANA- Translation and Media desk
October 04th, 2006
Kamp Sara district in Baghdad was a scene to another horrific
car bomb which resulted in the killing of 14 people and wounding
others, among the dead is Yusuf Falah Zara who was killed as he
was passing by going to his shop.
The victim was born in 1961, married and a father of two girls
and a boy with the eldest being less than 14 years old. The
victim’s body will be sent for burial in his home town of Alqosh.
The latest victim joins the scores of innocents who have been
killed to date in Iraq.
May he rest in peace and may his family find consolation.
ANA – Note: The district where the explosion took place is
inhabited by a majority of Assyrians.
Sources: Nirgalgate.com
Ankawa.com
30 Christian families receive threats to leave Mosul
Mosul - Iraq
ANA- Translation and Media desk
September 30th, 2006
An official source at the Nineveh joint co-ordination centre
mentioned that 30 Christian families living in Mosul received
threats of being in danger and were given 72 hours to leave. The
source (asked to remain anonymous) mentioned that these threats
came through cell phone text messages. The families had notified
the co-ordination centre of these messages which had the same tone
"to leave the city within 72 hours or be killed". He mentioned
that the authorities began their investigation in order to
determine those responsible for such threats.
Mosul has a Christian population of 150 thousand people and
these families receive every now and then threats to leave the
city which made hundreds of them to leave Mosul and Iraq.
The Christian families live in the districts of al-Nour, al-Sa'aa,
al-Muthanna, and al-Arabi which are in Mosul's centre; they also
inhabit the areas of Telkef, Telskuf, al-Hamadaniya, Bartilla,
Ba'ashiqa, and the Plain of Nineveh outside the city.
Note: ANA - The inhabitants of the cities referred to are
Assyrians.
Arabic source: Aswat al Iraq (Voices of Iraq)
Ibrahim Zanoun
This time in Mosul
Another Church attack
Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2006 21:47:04 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ashur Peyour
Subject: Another Church Bombed
Second attack in three days against a Chaldean church
26 September, 2006
IRAQ
http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=7321
Baghdad (AsiaNews) – The start of the month of Ramadan in Iraq
was marked by violence but also by significant openness by al
Sistani towards the Vatican. Yesterday, two churches, one in
Baghdad and another in Mosul, were struck. Recently, the country
has seen an escalation of attacks against Christians, thought by
some to be the reaction of radical Muslims to the speech of the
pope in Regensburg. However, religious leaders, among them al
Sistani, have shown solidarity and understanding towards the
Vatican. Moreover, the representative of the highest religious
exponent of Iraqi Shiites has expressed the desire to be able to
visit the Pope.
Yesterday morning at 11.15am local time, armed men attacked the
Chaldean Church of the Holy Spirit in Mosul, firing at least 80
shots on the building. “Thank God there was no Mass at the time,”
one member of the community told AsiaNews, “so no one was killed
or injured, there was just some damage done to the eastern part of
the building and a few broken windows.”
The atmosphere in the city is very tense. Recently, Muslim
militias threatened the Catholic bishop and priests that unless
they publicly condemned the address of the pope at the University
of Regensburg within 72 hours, Christians would be killed and
churches burned down. In recent years, some churches, shrines and
even the bishop’s house were the target of terrorist attacks. For
fear of further attacks, the bishop had posters put up to say that
“neither Iraqi Christians nor the pope want to destroy ties with
Muslims”.
Defying the prevailing atmosphere of terror, last night,
Chaldean Catholics left their homes to participate in Vespers Mass
in the very church that had been attacked. “Our faith is a
challenge to violence. The militias fear us because our faith is
stronger than their bullets,” a Christian told AsiaNews.
Yesterday morning in Baghdad, two bombs went off outside the
Assyrian Orthodox Church of St Mary in the central neighbourhood
of Karrada. The attackers put a bomb under the parish priest’s
car. The blast, that took place at 9.30am, drew many people,
including some from the parish. Immediately afterwards another
bomb went off close by, injuring many people and killing a
watchman of the church.
Some think these bombs targeted Christians in the wake of the
controversy surrounding the pope’s speech in Regensburg. But in
recent days, Orthodox communities distanced themselves from the
words of the pope, putting up posters outside their churches
expressing their disagreement with him. Some Catholic figures said
the attack on St Mary’s Church was much more likely a vendetta
based on ethnic-religious motives: the Assyrian Orthodox Patriarch
recently visited communities in Kurdistan and probably the bombs
were meant to be a threat by Sunni or Shiite militias against such
ties with Kurds.
The lecture of Benedict XVI in Regensburg was misunderstood by
the media as being an attack on Islam. Although the pope explained
the true meaning of his words several times over, bitter and
threatening criticisms continue to come from many sectors of
Islam. In Iraq, it is fundamentalist and political Muslim splinter
groups that are reacting violently to the pope’s address.
Recently, the Secretary of the Nunciature in Baghdad, Mgr Thomas
Halim Abib, met religious representatives of Islam and offered
them an Arabic translation of the words of the pope, so Muslim
leaders would be able to understand the true meaning of what was
said. Muslim religious leaders undertake the task of informing
their communities. Mgr Thomas told AsiaNews that in these days,
the official representative of the Grand Ayatollah al Sistani, the
undisputed leader of Shiite Islam in Iraq, visited the Vatican
Nunciature twice to express friendship and solidarity. The
representative of al Sistani accepted the explanations rendered by
the Nunciature and spread them among all Iraqi Shiite communities,
expressing respect for the Holy See “that has always been close to
the Iraqi people”. The representative of the grand ayatollah also
said he wished to go to Rome to visit Pope Benedict XVI.
http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=7321
********
Twin terrorist attacks on St. Mary’s Cathedral in
Baghdad
Baghdad – Sunday 24/09/2006
ANA- Translation and Media desk
The St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Ancient Church of the East in
al-Riyadh district was the scene of a double terrorist attack this
morning, first a hand grenade was thrown and a few minutes later a
car bomb exploded. At 10:00 a.m. as the faithful were leaving the
Church following Sunday’s Mass, an explosive charge exploded under
the care of Father Ezaria Warda which was parked near the main
door (some eye witnesses mentioned that a hand grenade was thrown
at the car from a passing by car) The first explosion resulted in
some casualties which made people gather and a police patrol
arrived at the scene, moments later a car which was parked on the
other side of the narrow street exploded which caused the number
of casualties to rise.
The losses so far in the Baghdad hospitals are:
1- One of the Church’s guards Joseph Eshoo was killed.
2- The second victim is a child whose identity isn’t known yet.
3- 17 wounded, 9 are of the faithful who belong to the church;
two of them are in critical condition.
4- The leg of one of the wounded was amputated and the doctors
were obliged to remove the eye of another victim, four citizens
and four police officers were injured as well.
The Cathedral is the headquarters of H.H. Mar Addai II, the
Church’s Patriarch as well as Fathers Ezaria Warda and Zaia Edwar
but they weren’t hurt. The Cathedral is also a home for the
Church’s magazine The Horizon. In addition to the human losses,
the Cathedral was badly damaged, five cars were burnt, and others
were damaged.
Ancient Church of the East/Information Section
Arabic source: Ankawa.com
----------
ANA- Translation and Media desk
The killing of an Assyrian police officer in Mosul
September 21, 2006
The Assyrian police officer Ziad Waadallah Jamil was
assassinated in Mosul in the area of al-Sa’aa. The victim worked
for the Nineveh police force and he was attacked by unknown
assailants as he was leaving home to go to work. The martyred
police officer was born in Mosul in 1981 and he was single.
This latest assassination is one of a series of criminal acts
against the Iraqi police officers in Mosul, Baghdad and other
Iraqi cities which have become scenes for continuous violence and
killings.
Arabic source: Nirgalgate.com
September 16, 2006
Second Assyrian Christian Killed in
Retaliation for Pope's Remarks
Baghdad (AINA) -- Sources at Baghdad's Yarmouk Hospital
announced on Saturday the death of a second Assyrian Christian who
fell victim to multiple stab wounds at the Assyrian market in the
Doura District. His murder comes a day after the attack on Syriac
Catholic Church in the Ashar district of central Basra where
another man was murdered.
Christian Leaders in Iraq have asked their parishioners to be
extremely cautious and not to leave their homes as a new group
called the young Brigades of Fundamental Islam ' has distributed
papers announcing the slaying of all Iraqi Christians in three
days if the Pope does not Apologize.
According to the insurgency-loyal news website, islammemo.cc,
the bishop of the Syriac Catholic Church has also taken his plea
to the central government of Iraq and the coalition forces in
hopes that they intervene and offer protection to the native
Christians.
September 16, 2006
Two Assyrians Killed in Separate
Terrorist Attacks
September 09, 2006
Mr. Salem Qeryo Soulaqa (41) was killed on 9/9/2006 when a bomb
exploded in Baghdad near the Mansour Mosque. His ten year old son
who was with him at the time was injured and is currently lying in
the hospital in critical condition. Salem Qeryo Soulaqa, from
Kirkuk, was born in 1965. He is survived by his wife and three
children.
Mr. Khalil Oraha Aram (19) of Batnaya was killed when a car
bomb exploded in the Za’faraniya district. He was born in 1987 in
Batnaya which is 20 km north of Mosul.
Our deepest condolences to the Soulaqa family and Aram family
for their loss.
Source:
Beth Suryoyo Assyrian (Othuroyo) Forum
------------
An
Assyrian kidnapped in Basra
ANA-Translation and Media desk
September 09, 2006
Jalal al-Najjar (Abu Ala’a) was
kidnapped by an organized armed gang as he was heading to his
work. The gang is specialized in abducting people with money in
the city.
Mr. al-Najjar is the owner of a carpentry factory in the
industrial area five Km away from the city.
The kidnappers demanded the family to pay a ransom of $150.000
dollars to spare his life, but it’s been understood that the
family doesn’t have that kind of money. It’s been a week since the
abduction and as of the moment the case remains unsolved and
without a decisive response from the local authorities who are
supposed to capture the offenders.
Arabic source: Ankawa.com
Mohammad Jawad Al-dakhili
Translation note: Hundreds of Assyrian families were forced to
leave Basra as the security situation worsened with the increase
in violence and crimes.
Over the years some Assyrians adopted Arabic or other names in
order to blend with the majority.
------------
Two explosions in front of al-Za’afaraniya Church in
Baghdad
ANA-Translation and Media desk
September 08, 2006
Baghdad- Two explosives which were hidden in a bag went off in
front of al-Za’afaraniya Church injuring the guards who were taken
to the hospital, the explosion also caused damage to the church
walls.
Arabic source: Ankawa.com
------------------
Southfield interpreter dies in Iraq bombing
Jerry Wolffe
The Oakland press
September 06, 2006
A 23-year-old Southfield man who served as an interpreter with
U.S. military forces in Iraq was killed in a suicide car bombing
at a checkpoint near Ramadi, his family said Tuesday. Saher
Georges* died Aug. 29 during his second tour of duty as an
interpreter.
May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort and
consolation.
* The piece doesn’t mention that the victim was an Assyrian
An Assyrian victim of an explosion
ANA- Translation and Media desk
September 07, 2006
The victim Manaf Hosni Yousif an engineer was killed in Baghdad
on August 31st as he was returning home from work. The victim was
born in the Assyrian village of Bersive (Bersawa) North of Iraq in
1978.
May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort and
consolation.
Arabic source: Ankawa.com
An Assyrian assassinated in Baghdad
ANA-Translation and Media desk
September 05th, 2006
Baghdad-Iraq
The victim Sabah Alton Hermiz Homa was assassinated by a
terrorist group.
The latest victim was from the Assyrian village of Karemlash in
the North of Iraq.
May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort and
consolation.
Arabic source: Ankawa.com
------------
An explosion in an Assyrian home in
Midyat
ANA-Translation and Media desk
Tor Abdin - Turkey
September 01st, 2006
On August 30th, 2006 an unknown man threw a grenade on the
house of Mr. Gabro Shiven in Midyat, south-eastern Turkey,
fortunately the family wasn’t home at the time.
In a letter sent by Mr. Simon Barmano President of the Assyrian
Clubs Federation in Sweden and according to reliable sources a
police officer named Etac Tivik is behind what happened and that
Tivik has been responsible for other such operations and pressure
tactics aimed at forcing the Assyrians in the area to leave. Mr.
Barmano mentioned in his letter another incident which had taken
place two days earlier, when Mr. Yusuf Aye and Issa Dugan were
assaulted and beaten up by some Muslim extremists in the centre of
Midyat, when an individual from the Jamo family tried to blackmail
Mr. Dugan from Australia into giving him $7000 dollars and when he
refused, 15-20 people surrounded the two men and started to beat
them up in front of some by standers who didn’t dare to save them.
In 2002 the Paulos and Afram Hidari family members were
severely beaten up near the city hall of Midyat when they tried to
submit a complaint against the Jamo family who had occupied their
property and lands, the Hidari family were given the choice of
either leaving or being killed.
On July 23rd, 2005, Mr. Zaki Oun a Swedish Assyrian and his son
David were shot in the legs by Kehraman Yildiz a senior member in
the ruling Turkish party AKP.
The president of the Assyrian Clubs Federation in Sweden adds
in his letter that no one was neither arrested nor subjected to
any legal procedures, which gives the green light to the
aggressors to commit more horrible actions enabling them to reach
their goals of controlling the Assyrian lands and properties in
the region.
There are already other villages in Tor Abdin which have been
confiscated by the Turkish authorities and Muslim extremists who
tend to use violence against those who try to return the
properties to their rightful owners
Mr. Barmano concludes his letter by reminding the European
States that while Turkey is trying to negotiate its way into the
European Union, the conditions of the Assyrians and other
Christians in Turkey haven’t improved, and that Turkey’s empty
promises throughout its history make every one aware of the danger
that Turkey is following its old path.
It is worth noting that many of the Assyrians who had fled
Turkey to Europe during the 1960’s and 1970’s because of
persecution have begun to return to their towns and villages but
they are faced with many dangers specially in what concerns
security.
Arabic source: Ankawa.com
Iskandar Biqasha
------------------
Ghassan Ezzat Roufa Haido another Assyrian victim
ANA – Translation and Media desk
August 21st, 2006
On August 17th, 2006 some cowards shot the victim just outside
the capital Baghdad and in broad day light only because he worked
for the oil company.
The victim was born in Baghdad in 1968 and was always afraid
that he would be killed because of his job; that’s why he was
hesitant to get married.
It’s to be noted that four of his colleagues were killed with
him in the same brutal, ugly and barbaric manner.
May he rest in peace and may his grieving family be consoled.
Source: Ankawa.com
Assyrians threatened yet again following the Gondkosa
murder
August 16, 2006
Nohadra – Iraq
From: Sami Zaia
Source: Nirgalgate.com
On August 15th, 2006 a group of Assyrians were threatened with
guns by some Kurds near the outskirts of Bamarni to the north-east
of Sarsink.
One of the Assyrians who were threatened with a 9mm hand gun
mentioned that a group of four Kurds obstructed the path of some
Assyrian families on their way back from a picnic in Dokri region
where they were celebrating the commemoration of St. Mary. The
incident escalated to killing threats because of an earlier
skirmish with the same group of Kurds who were intoxicated and
tried to harass the women.
Another man said:” We were surprised with four persons holding
guns obstructing our way, and we knew immediately that they were
the same individuals with whom we had a skirmish earlier. They
pulled one of the young men out of the car and put the gun to his
head threatening to kill him; that’s when we intervened to prevent
them from killing him, then we called the police who came and
arrested them, but we don’t know what sort of procedure will be
taken against them”.
ANA – Translation and Media desk
----------------------
A priest abducted in Dora - Baghdad
ANA- Translation and Media desk
Baghdad-Dora- August 15, 2006
A group of terrorists abducted a priest in the city of Dora, in
the Asia neighborhood. A phone call by a local source to one of
our reporters had mentioned that Father Siroup who serves in the
Church of Asia was abducted around 7:15 today.
It’s worth mentioning that the city of Dora is overwhelmed at
present by sectarian gangs. These same gangs had bombed several
Churches, kidnapped and killed many of our Christian brothers,
causing hundreds of them to flee Dora.
ANA – The city of Dora is the home for an Assyrian majority in
Baghdad.
Source: Buratha News Agency
----------------------
Two Assyrians murdered in Mosul
ANA- Translation and Media desk
Mosul- August 12, 2006
This after noon, Saturday, August 12, 2006 two of our young men
were killed by terrorists in their store in the area of al-Masaref
(the banks) in Mosul. The two victims were shot in cold blood
before eye witnesses; they were identified as brothers Akram Aprim
Shleemon and Aziz Aprim Shleemon. The killers then stole the
victims’ car and fled. The martyrs worked in the carpentry and
furniture business, they were known for their good morals by every
one who knew them.
May their souls rest in heavenly peace and may those killers
face the fate which is waiting for them in history's muck-heap.
Source: Ankawa.com
----------------------
Akhiqar Korkis Audish Killed by a
kurdish Thug
On the 8th of August, at around 8 pm, Akhiqar Korkis Audisho
born 1962, resident of the village Cossa in Assyria (northern
Iraq) under fire by a Kurdish thug named Cherdl Tahir Khalid from
the village of residence Akmali with two other members of the
Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP), while tending his herd.
The martyr is married and father of three daughters. He was
pronounced dead, at 3:00 am on this day after surgery at Nohdra
City Hospital (Dohuk).
May God bless the soul of our martyr and rest him in peace.
Original Source: AGC
ANA- Translation and Media Desk
August 08, 2006
----------------
An Assyrian merchant killed in Baghdad
August 08, 2006
The body of Bassam Shimon Hakim, 33 years old was found two
days ago in the institute of Forensic Medicine (Maa’had al-Tibb
al- Adli). Hakim was shot to death a week after he was abducted by
an armed group in front of his liquor stores; the victim was a
well known merchant for selling liquor in Baghdad.
The relatives of the deceased had paid a ransom of $30000 U.S.
in addition to a BMW car estimated at $10000 U.S. which was parked
near his stores when he was abducted.
The victim’s relatives were awaiting his release but the
kidnappers left him a dead body in one of Baghdad’s streets to be
found by the police where he was placed at the institute of
Forensic Medicine. The victim was from Alqosh*, 48 km north of
Mosul and a father of two little children, the oldest being three
years old.
*Alqosh follows the district of Telkef in the governorate of
Nineveh.
Source: Ankawa.com
ANA – Translation and Media desk
------------------------------
Zakho – Assyria/ North Iraq
Turkish incursion reported inside Iraqi borders
Zakho, July 27, Some 200 Turkish soldiers
accompanied by village rangers crossed the borders into north Iraq
and encroached for two kilometers before pulling back inside the
Turkish side of the borders, a military source in Zakho said on
Thursday.
The intruding force penetrated the area of Hork
near Kesta border village in Nohadra governorate “At 3:00 p.m. on
Wednesday we were informed that about 200 Turkish soldiers and
some village rangers encroached for two kilometers inside the
borders. Several hours later, they withdrew to the Turkish
borders,” reason for the incursion.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses said the Turkish
artillery shelled last night the areas of Kely, Senat, Zaweta,
Kely Besagha, Kloc and Alansh in Zakho.
The shelling did cause casualties but it started
fires in the woods
ANA – Translation and Media Desk.
