BAGHDAD - At least seven attacks using mortar shells, explosive devices and car bombs hit churches and monasteries in Baghdad and Mosul overnight Monday as orthodox Christians in Iraq were celebrating New YearÂ’s Eve. At least six people were wounded, including two guards, Voices of Iraq news agency reported. The attacks happened during the New YearÂ’s celebrations according to the Gregorian calendar still used by the Eastern Orthodox Church.| Two steps forward, one step back. |
In one of the attacks, two explosive charges detonated near Saint Maskinta church in the afternoon, destroying the external wall of the church and creating a wave of panic among children and nuns. Bishop Faraj Raho in Mosul told VOI that the ‘the two charges were planted in front of the bishopric adjacent to Saint Maskinta church. ‘The bishopric was turned into an orphanage for girls, so the blast startled the 30 girls and the nuns living in the orphanage.’
In Mosul, a monastery in western Mosul, a Catholic convent in the Jadida neighbourhood, the Saint Paul Church in Mohandiseen and the Virgin Mary Church of Assyrian Christians in Shohadaa were also attacked. The blasts smashed church windows and caused damage to nearby houses.
In Baghdad, a Roman Orthodox Church in the cityÂ’s eastern part was hit by a mortar attack while a monastery in the Zafaraniyah neighbourhood in the south was also targeted.