IRAQ

Islamic militants attack Baghdad Catholic parish during Mass; dozens slain   

Gunmen linked with al-Qaeda stormed a Catholic church in Baghdad during Mass on October 31.
"They entered the church with their weapons, wearing military uniforms," said an 18-year-old who survived the attack. "They came into the prayer hall and immediately killed the priest."
After the gunmen took the worshippers hostage, US troops and Iraqi police stormed the parish in a rescue attempt. One gunman detonated a suicide belt, and a shootout ensued, leaving 39 hostages and seven members of security forces dead.
The Islamic State of Iraq-- the Iraqi al-Qaeda affiliate-- said it was responsible for attacking what it called "the dirty place of the infidel which Iraqi Christians have long used as a base to fight Islam." 


Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Auxiliary bishop asks prayers for hostages, hostage takers as police regain control of situation in Baghdad church (Vatican Radio)
• Baghdad church hostage drama: death toll hits 39 (The Telegraph)
• Baghdad Church Attack Leaves 37 Dead (Voice of America)