(AINA) -- An estimated 20,000 Assyrian refugees celebrated Orthodox Christmas in Beirut, where they have sought refuge after fleeing Iraq. The population of Assyrians in Iraq has declined precipitously, from 1.4 million in 2003 to about 300,000 today.

Related: Timeline of ISIS in Iraq
Related: Attacks on Assyrians in Syria By ISIS and Other Muslim Groups

The exodus of Assyrians from Iraq, and Syria, was triggered by widespread attacks by Muslim groups, including ISIS and other Sunni groups and Shiites. It was also triggered by discrimination and marginalization by Kurds in North Iraq, as well as the central government of Iraq.