Church raid leaves 52 dead

Baghdad was again the scene of violence as terrorist continue to target minority sects in Iraq.  Gunmen stormed into a Syrian catholic church killing fifty two people in this raid. The gunmen attacked the Our Lady of Salvation church early on Sunday. The church is the largest in the city of Baghdad and attracts many visitors daily. Reports reveal that a bomb exploded just outside the compound of the church followed by gunfire. The siege went on for several hours. The location of the attack was also very sensitive as the church was in close proximity to the high security green zone district where many embassies and government offices are located.  As soon as the security officials were intimated of the siege, United States helicopters and Iraqi military closed the area.

The gunmen held the captives as hostages for hours. They demanded the release of high profile al-Qaida militants jailed in Iraq and Egypt. The security forces began a rescue operation in which many civilians and police officers died. The government’s handling of the issue has come under severe criticism. A Christian lawmaker was very vocal in his dissatisfaction with the way the entire operation was carried out.  “This operation hits at the credibility of the government and its ability to handle, preserve and impose security and the enforcement of Law” said the Member of Parliament*. He also added” Because of their lack of professionalism and the hasty action taken by security forces in freeing the hostages, many innocent people were killed”. Reports and eyewitnesses have verified that the attackers were among children and most people were killed when the security forces raided the church.

Al Qaeda’s Iraqi wing took responsibility for the attacks. They claimed to have attacked the dirty den of idolatry on their website. This attack follows the bombings in Diyala which claimed 22 lives.

*the statement of the speaker as reported from Rueters