Archbishop seized in Iraq
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gunmen in Iraq kidnapped a Catholic archbishop and targeted security forces in a series of brazen attacks yesterday, killing more than 20 people. US Marines suffered undisclosed casualties in a car bombing in Ramadi, where two Shia Muslims were beheaded and their bodies left on the roadside.
Gunmen in Iraq kidnapped a Catholic archbishop and targeted security forces in a series of brazen attacks yesterday, killing more than 20 people. US Marines suffered undisclosed casualties in a car bombing in Ramadi, where two Shia Muslims were beheaded and their bodies left on the roadside.
In Mosul, Archbishop Basile Georges Casmoussa, 66, of the Syrian Catholic Church, was seized outside his church. No-one claimed responsibility and the Vatican condemned the abduction as a "terrorist act". Christians make up 3 per cent of Iraq's 26 million population.
The deadliest attacks occurred in the insurgent flashpoint areas north and west of Baghdad, where Sunni Muslim insurgents are seeking to derail the elections on 30 January. In Buhriz, 35 miles north of Baghdad, gunmen attacked an Iraqi National Guard checkpoint at the provincial broadcasting centre, killing eight soldiers and wounding four.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments