October 15, 2008

MOSUL, IRAQ (ANS) -- The recent attacks on Assyrian Christians in Mosul, northern Iraq, has lead to a rapid exodus of Assyrians from the city to safer areas in the Nineveh plain.

The Assyrian International News Agency (http://www.aina.org/) says that according to a report from the Assyrian Aid Society on Saturday, the number of families who have escaped Mosul totals 770.

AINA says that four to five thousand people have become displaced within the last five days.

A report obtained by ANS says: "The exodus of the Assyrians from Mosul has been carried out in a manner of panic and most families have not been able to take with them their personal belongings. The displaced families are moving into relatives' homes in the Nineveh plain and are being placed in some monasteries and churches."

The Assyrian Aid Society, a humanitarian aid organization based in northern Iraq with its main office in the city of Dohuk, has documented in detail the exodus from Mosul, compiling detailed information on the displaced families and where they have fled to.

According to Cristina Patto, secretary of the Assyrian Aid Society: "We are keeping track of the families who flee Mosul and we have complete data in order to be able to offer them rapid assistance. Our resourses are however limited to cope with this kind of acute situation and we are therefore asking for help."

The Assyrian Aid Society report cited by the AINA news outlet states: "The number of targeted killings against the Assyrian Christians of Mosul is increasing and according to sources on the ground leaflets are being distributed telling the Assyrian Christians they must leave Mosul or face death. The number of fleeing families is increasing by the hour and a humanitarian catastrophe is imminent."

The website http://www.assyrianaid.org/  says the new refugee crisis has suddenly developed in Northern Iraq with as many as 4,000 Assyrians fleeing Mosul following bombings and more than a dozen murders targeting the Christian minority.

The Assyrian Aid Society-America (AAS-A) is immediately launching a nationwide drive to raise sufficient funds to meet this critical emergency.

The Assyrian Aid Society-Iraq (AAS-Iraq) is responding by providing food and other necessities, as well as assisting in finding adequate shelter. Most of the refugees are temporarily locating in churches, community centers, and the homes of relatives and friends.

The website says the International Medical Corps (IMC) sent a convoy carrying food, mattresses, blankets, and hygiene items to the Tel Kief area in humanitarian support of an estimated 120 families. IMC is the only international organization currently providing such assistance in the area.

The Assyrian Aid Society has been serving Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Syriacs around the world since 1991.

Individuals or organizations may contact the Assyrian Aid Society at http://www.assyrianaid.org/  to send help to the refugees fleeing Mosul.

Article and photo copyright 2008 ASSIST News Service