Assyrians Protest ISIS Attacks on Assyrians in Syria

Posted 2015-03-01 04:16 GMT

St. Bishu Church in the Assyrian village of Tel Shamiran, Syria, now occupied by ISIS.

(AINA) -- Assyrians held protests in three world cities today to call attention to the ISIS attacks on Assyrians in Khabur, Syria, which have resulted in the capture of up to 373 Assyrians by ISIS and the destruction of churches in the 35 Assyrian villages in the Khabur river in the Hasaka province of Syria. At least 9 Assyrian fighters died in the initial attacks and 12 who were captured by ISIS are feared to have been executed.

See attacks on Assyrians in Syria for more information.

Protest were held in Beirut, Stockholm and San Francisco. A candle light vigil will be held in Phoenix this Sunday. Other protests are planned for next week.

The number of Assyrians captured by ISIS is between 262 and 373. There are unconfirmed reports that 18 to 21 Assyrians that were captured by ISIS from the village of Tel Goran have been released. According to Assyrian leaders in Hasaka, none of the Assyrian civilians have been killed.