(Photo: Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil)
In a surprising turn of events, a drone attack struck a Christian neighborhood in Erbil, Iraq, causing significant property damage but leaving the residents unharmed. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel, which often affect innocent bystanders in the region.
The attack occurred in Erbil’s Christian-majority district on Wednesday night, with suspicions pointing towards an Iranian-operated drone. It remains unclear whether the intended target was a nearby US military installation or the Erbil International Airport.
The Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil reported that damage was inflicted on a residential block it owns, as well as a convent belonging to the Chaldean Daughters of Mary Immaculate. Fortunately, the residential area had been previously evacuated due to its proximity to the US base, reducing the potential for casualties.
Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil expressed his concerns to Aid to the Church in Need, emphasizing the need for global solidarity and support during these turbulent times. He noted that the ongoing strife might cause the remaining Christian population in the region to reconsider their future in Iraq.
Before the 2003 US invasion, Iraq’s Christian community numbered approximately one and a half million. However, following the war and subsequent ISIS conflicts, that number has dwindled to a few hundred thousand.
Reflecting on the situation, Archbishop Warda stated, “When war erupts in the Middle East, we face another erosion, fast or slow. Do we stay? Do our children have a future? … We fear bombs and uncertainty. Our hope in Jesus is not built on politics but on God’s faithful presence.”
John Neill, an aide to Archbishop Warda, described the community’s reaction to the drone strike as one of shock and concern, acknowledging the indiscriminate nature of war. “It is miraculous that nobody seems to have been hurt. We pray to the Holy Spirit to help keep everyone safe,” he commented.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
