ICC Note: The Christian town of Tel Karif, northeast of Mosul, was recently liberated by the Iraqi army and security forces. In the town, two Christian women who have lived a nightmare in the town emerged to share their stories. Barnadet and Sabria both chose to stay in Tel Kaif and protect the town’s church for the last two years, suffering atrocities at the hands of ISIS. two years of militant rule has left them traumatized.

01/23/2017 Iraq (Rudaw): The predominantly Christian town of Tel Kaif, situated northeast of Mosul, was recently liberated by the Iraqi army. Two Christian women, who had lived there under ISIS’ control of the town, talked to Rudaw about the militants’ rule.

Though many people fled Tel Kaif when ISIS seized control, Barnadet and Sabria chose not to leave the town’s church.

Two years of ISIS savage rule has left them traumatized. Barnadet is still in disbelief that ISIS has been pushed out of the town. “You will see me murdered tomorrow,” she said. The only thing she remembers is that she is a Christian who did not leave her church.

Head of the Nineveh Provincial Council, Bashar Kiki, knows Barnadet. “This woman was a member of the town’s women’s association. She is afraid now and doesn’t know what is going on,” Kiki said.

Barnadet is wearing a maxi dress and a black niqab, walking through the streets of Tel Kaif. She spoke briefly with Rudaw. “There are Christian and mad people. Nobody talks to these two. It is not our fault. Everything is in the hands of God.”

ISIS had identified every Christian family to its militants so no one helped them.

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