Tight security measures around churches in Baghdad

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi forces have tightened their measures around churches in Baghdad to protect Christians celebrating Christmas. “The Baghdad Operations Command has adopted special security measures to protect Christians while performing Christmas Mass,” spokesman of the BOC, General Qassem Atta, told IraqiNews.com news agency. “The BOC will not bloc roads or changes the routes during Christmas, but will tighten searching operations,” he added. Christians across Iraq have been living in fear since the assault on Our Lady of Salvation Church as its Catholic congregation was celebrating Sunday Mass. Sixty-eight people were killed. Church officials in Baghdad, as well as in the northern cities of Kirkuk and Mosul and the southern city of Basra, said they will not put up Christmas decorations or celebrate midnight Mass. They urged worshippers not to decorate their homes. Even an appearance by Santa Claus was called off. SH (P) 4