03/26/2019 Iraq (International Christian Concern) – In the wake of the Islamic State’s (ISIS) territorial defeat and attack on mosques in New Zealand, Iraq’s Ministry of Interior has issued a warning that it is possible that ISIS is planning retribution attacks against churches in Baghdad.

Of particular concern is the security of Saidat al-Najat Church, which was violently targeted by militants in 2010. The responsible terrorists were connected to ISIS’s forerunner and killed nearly 50 individuals during the attack. Today, in light of recent events, Iraq’s Ministry of Interior is warning that it is possible this church and others will be attacked. The warning urges Baghdad’s various security forces to increase vigilance and patch security gaps at local churches.

It is common for many churches in the Middle East to increase security during Easter and Ramadan, as this time of the year often sees an increase of persecution related incidents. This year, Easter and Ramadan are just days apart. The close proximity of the holidays, combined with the defeat of ISIS and the possibility of retribution attacks, is a worrisome time for many Christians.

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