Man attacks Assyrian Christian parade, injuring three in Iraq
- A man with an axe attacked a parade celebrating the Assyrian New Year in Dohuk, injuring three individuals.
- The victims included a teenager and an elderly woman who both suffered skull fractures.
- Despite the attack, the Assyrian community continues to celebrate their holiday, emphasizing resilience and unity.
In Iraq, the annual parade by Assyrian Christians in the city of Dohuk was violently interrupted when a man armed with an axe charged into the crowd, resulting in injuries to three individuals. This attack occurred on April 1, a date significant for the Assyrian community as it marks their new year, called Akitu. Thousands of Assyrians celebrate this tradition every year, showcasing their rich cultural heritage and resilience despite past adversities. Witnesses reported that the attacker, whose identity remains confirmed only as a lone individual, shouted Islamic slogans while targeting the festive crowd, which comprised not only local participants but also Assyrians from the diaspora. Amidst the celebration, the assailant managed to strike three victims before being subdued by onlookers and security personnel. Among the injured were a 17-year-old boy, and a 75-year-old woman, both of whom sustained severe skull injuries. Additionally, a member of the local security forces, who was monitoring the event via a drone, was also hurt in the incident. All three victims were promptly hospitalized to receive treatment for their injuries. Individuals present at the parade reflected on the ongoing struggles faced by the Assyrian community, linking this violent episode to their previous displacement from their homes due to the rise of ISIS in 2014. Community leaders condemned the attack, calling for government action to combat extremist ideologies that incite such violence and hatred. The community has a history of celebrating their new year in Dohuk without incident since the 1990s and remains determined to continue their cultural traditions despite external threats. This particular attack has stirred existing tensions, as Assyrians faced unrelenting hate speech and negative sentiment on social media following the event. Yet, the community's spirits were not easily dampened. In a heartfelt show of symbolism, participants wrapped the head of the injured boy in an Assyrian flag, which was later waved high in the parade, stained with his blood but serving as a testament to their resilience and enduring spirit as an indigenous group in the face of adversity.