News by email Donate

Suggestions

Tel-Nasri-church-main_article_image.jpg
World News

Islamic State bomb Syrian church on Easter Sunday

The extremists blew up an Assyrian parish in the north-eastern village of Tel Nasri.

The Yoldath Aloho Church [Church of the Virgin Mary] was badly damaged in the explosion.

It's thought the building was being used as a headquarters for IS which had taken control of the village on March 7.

The Assyrian Network for Human Rights reports the terrorists detonated the explosives as Syrian and Kurdish forces attempted to enter the village to take it back.

A number of terrorists and soldiers are thought to have been killed.

Human rights groups in Syria have said it is a 'war crime'.

The Assyrian Network for Human Rights said: "[We] condemn the targeting of the Church of the Virgin Mary by [IS] as a war crime under international humanitarian law, which prohibits the targeting of religious buildings during armed conflict."

Yesterday during his Easter Sunday message Pope Francis urged the world not to 'stand by' whilst Christians were targeted in Iraq and Syria.

He said: "We ask for peace, above all, for Syria and Iraq, that the roar of arms may cease and that peaceful relations may be restored among the various groups which make up those beloved countries.

"May the international community not stand by before the immense humanitarian tragedy unfolding in these countries and the drama of the numerous refugees.

"From the risen Lord we ask the grace not to succumb to the pride which fuels violence and war, but to have the humble courage of pardon and peace.

"We ask Jesus, the Victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence."

(Image shows church before explosion.)

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate