U.S. State Department condemns attack on Christians in Iraq

2 bombs in Christian areas of Iraq's capital Baghdad kill 35 people, say officials http://t.co/H1rmNdPqKx pic.twitter.com/TJTetyh0tH

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) December 25, 2013

A car bomb exploded in southern Baghdad this morning, outside St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, killing at least 26. Many of the victims were parishioners of the church, caught in the blast as they left a Christmas morning prayer service.

Two other Christmas day bombs went off in other parts of Iraq, targeting police and Shi’ite pilgrims, bringing the day’s death toll to at least 35.
Shortly after the St. John’s bombing, the U.S. embassy in Iraq issued a statement condemning the attack.

U.S. Condemns Attacks Targeting Iraqi Christians Celebrating Christmas

The United States Embassy condemns in the strongest terms today’s attacks in the Dora area of Baghdad that targeted Christians celebrating Christmas. We extend condolences to the victims and their families and wish a rapid recovery for those who were injured.

The Christian community in Iraq has suffered deliberate and senseless targeting by terrorists for many years, as have many other innocent Iraqis. The United States abhors all such attacks and is committed to its partnership with the Government of Iraq to combat the scourge of terrorism.