Posted on 10/31/2010 5:28:33 PM PDT by Cardhu
At least 37 people have been killed after Iraqi security forces stormed a Catholic church in central Baghdad to free dozens of hostages being held by gunmen there, security sources say.
Twenty-five hostages were among the dead, along with seven members of the Iraqi security forces and at least five of the attackers, they told the BBC.
About 100 people had been inside Our Lady of Salvation for an evening Mass.
The gunmen had reportedly demanded the release of jailed al-Qaeda militants.
Continue reading the main story Struggle for IraqEnd to Iraq's epic journey in sight? US troops in Iraq combat dilemma Deadly attacks on Iraqi reporters Bittersweet memories for Iraqis The local TV station, al-Baghdadiya, said it had received a phone call from someone claiming to be one of the attackers, who said they were from the Islamic State of Iraq, a Sunni militant umbrella group to which al-Qaeda in Iraq belongs.
Reports said the attackers were not Iraqis, but foreign Arabs.
The raid came two days after a suicide attack on a cafe in Diyala province left 21 people dead.
'Priest killed'
Residents of Baghdad's Karada district, where the attack took place, first heard a loud explosion at about 1700 (1400 GMT), followed by gunfire.
Police said a group of armed men began by attacking the Iraq Stock Exchange building, and then took over the Catholic church just across the road, clashing with guards and killing some of them.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
I heard her too...What is the truth?
Wait and see, I guess.
It will be interesting to see what story they finally come up with but dollars to donuts it won't be true.
People better wake up and quit jumping to name and defame those they don't like,it's far more likely to be a "global/secular/moneyed" elite group that's far from those who are getting blamed.
If we don't start looking further than our opinions we are going to be in bigger trouble than we're in and we are probably passed the tipping point already.
We need to double up on the prayers,Divine Intervention is our only real hope.
Apparently SWAT training needed.
FNC is wrong. It’s over, but it wasn’t without bloodshed.
Is it the translation that's odd, or ... nevermind.
I feel for the friends and family of the victims, and I hope the wounded recover well and quickly.
a "global/secular/moneyed" elite group - of foreign arabs? That's a new one. Something in the water in Arizona?
“Muslim women in ministries and churches in Egypt?” These people are nutz.
And vicious as mad dogs.
This is terrible. I thought they had been freed hours ago.
Matthew 5:
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11”Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
May their souls rest in peace.
Dear Lord .. heartbreaking. Truly, they
are martyrs just because of their faith.
God rest their souls, and comfort their
grieving families.
The only way to deal with savage beasts
is to vaporize them .. damn them to God’s
eternal justice.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Another 20 people were wounded, officials told CNN. Eight gunmen were arrested
Survivors told Martin Chulov, a reporter for The Guardian at the scene, they were about to begin Sunday night services when the gunmen burst into the Sayidat al-Nejat Catholic church. About 50 people were inside at the time, and a priest ushered them into a back room.
At one point, a gunman entered the room and threw an explosive inside, causing some casualties, Chulov said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As we went outside the hall to see what was happening, gunmen stormed the main gate and they started to shoot at us,” Yalda said. “Many people fell down, including a priest, while some of us ran inside and took shelter in a locked room. We were packed together as we waited for the security forces to arrive.”
A U.S. Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Eric Bloom, said at least 19 people were killed — seven hostages, seven Iraqi security troops and five militants. He said the assailants were wearing suicide vests and armed with grenades. As many as 30 people were wounded, including a priest and a nun, he said.
Iraqi military officials said the death toll was at least nine, while police and medical officials put it as high as 37. The figures could not be immediately reconciled.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/10/31/hostages-freed-iraqi-church/
According to the Daily Telegraph, American soldiers and Iraqi security forces had entered the church in the centre of the city to free 40 worshippers being held by eight gunmen.
“Reports said the attackers were not Iraqis, but foreign Arabs”
They were MUSLIMS - once again demonstrating what “unbelievers” have to suffer when too many Muslims enter the Demographics.
The living dead are talking about former Muslim women (and men) who have accepted the Lord and taken refuge in churches in Egypt. The muslims want them back to make examples of them.
And millions of American Catholics can’t be bothered to go to Mass on Sunday. Can’t bear to give even one hour to our Lord for the sake of their souls.
These are truly saints in our times bravely going to Mass in a hostile environment because they love Jesus in the Eucharist and want to receive Him.
May perpetual light shine upon them and may the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen
I thought my new neighbors were Arabs,turns out that they are Indian.
We have been most unfortunate that the last 3 Administrations have not dealt with the Saudi problem.
It is a Saudi that is building the bombs found on the cargo planes.
The present occupier of the WH is a crypto-muslim and as such will not act against his muzzie brothers.
When he is replaced, the Saudis must be dealt with.
They control everything, Mecca is in Saudi, the hijackers of 9/11 is Saudi, Bin laden is Saudi, and they have their hand and money in most of the terrorist groups.
The nation must be destabilized, their oil fields appropriated as reparations for attacks against the United States, and their ruling class eliminated.
Then begins the work of force feeding these subhuman animals beer and pork rinds.
Unleash an army of Hooters girls, and westernize these sons of bitches.
And make those who don’t get with the program get to see Allah a lot sooner than they expected.
This problem needs to be solved once and for all.
Animals, without any humanity. I feel as much commonality with Moslems as I do with wolves, or dogs. Wolves love to kill beyond that which is required for simple hunger or sustinence. They have demon inspired bloodlust.
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