ISIS Using Mosul, Iraq Churches As Prisons

Mosul, Iraq, used be home to many Christians, as many as 60,000 prior to 2003. However, most have fled since the city was overrun by Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists back in June, and now their churches are being turned into prisons.

Fides News Agency reported on Tuesday that a number of detainees were recently sent to the ancient Chaldean church of the Immaculate Conception in the eastern part of the city. Sources have shared that St. George monastery has also been turned into a place for female detention, raising fears that women might be abused.

"The jihadists of the Caliphate have occupied the churches, including those which are very ancient," said Rebwar Audish Basa, Procurator of the Order of St. Anthony sant'Ormisda of the Chaldeans.

"Among the concerns that plague us there is also that of those who fear that a possible military offensive for the liberation of Mosul could inevitably lead to consider churches as targets to hit, since they have become logistic bases of the jihadists. And of course, the destruction of old churches would be an irreparable damage and loss."

With the mass exodus of Christians from Syria, Iraq- at least those who refuse to convert, pay the jizya tax, or die- there will no longer be native Christians living in that region.

Tragic.

More here.