Desperate ISIS fanatics destroy Christians’ homes and churches as they face oblivion in Mosul

RETREATING ISIS fighters have been leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, decimating Christian villages as they flee back towards Mosul.

Christian fighters have vowed to rebuild their homes, churches and community after driving the jihadists from the town of Qaraqosh, just southeast of the city.

“We came into Qaraqosh with the Iraqi army to reclaim it from ISIS on the sixth day of the operation to liberate Mosul – we killed many ISIS fighters here,” said Saleh Abu-Yousef, a 32-year-old Christian fighter.

Qaraqosh once housed the largest Christian population in Iraq, but many have yet to return after heavy fighting destroyed much of the city.

“I killed around 11 or 12 ISIS fighter when we liberated this town, but there are still unexploded devices and shells here,” the father-of-four said.

Within the city centre is the church of “The Immaculate Conception” – an ancient religious building that was the focal point for the Christian community.

But when the jihadists ransacked the town they showed little respect for this sacred Christian site.

Pointing to the bullet-ridden walls in the church’s central square, Saleh explained: “They used the courtyard as target practice…they even cut the head off of our beloved statue of Jesus.”

The inside of the church has not faired much better under the extremists, with the walls “charred and burnt” and painted with “ISIS graffiti,” the veteran fighter added.

After taking a break inside to pray, Saleh continued: “We held the first mass here recently. It was a good day.

“It was the first time Christians had returned to our church in over two years.”

Much of the rest of Qaraqosh also remains in ruins.

“ISIS destroyed the shops and even the local school where my uncle taught. You can see ISIS hand of destruction everywhere,” Saleh added.

The jihadis are being driven back towards Mosul by the advancing Iraqi army and their allies

The bloodthirsty jihadists persecuted Christians after the capture of Mosul two years ago, forcing them to either pay a special tax, convert to Islam, or be killed.

Most chose to abandon their homes and flee toward the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq – something which Saleh also did.

“I and my family were forced to flee to Erbil [the Iraqi Kurdish capital] over two years ago when ISIS attacked,” he recalled.

“I now live in a caravan in the Christian quarter of the city, Ankawa,” he added.

Although most of his family managed to escape, some did not.

“My cousin is still trapped with ISIS. They have kidnapped him.

“I don’t know if he is alive or dead, but if he is alive he will be in Mosul,” he said.

Saleh’s house – in the eastern quarter of Qaraqosh – is also scarred by ISIS’s occupation.

“When I first saw my home I was devastated. I saw ISIS had destroyed it…they ransacked it and took all my possessions,” he said.

Walking outside into his courtyard he added: “The only thing that really survived is this tree.”

Despite the destruction in the city Saleh and other Christians plan to rebuild.

“My house maybe destroyed but now we have Qaraqosh back, I and other Christians will return," he said defiantly.

“Qaraqosh is after all my home and I was born here.”

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