Washington D.C (Reuters/NAN)― U.S. war planes struck Iraq on Friday attacking Islamist fighters advancing towards the Kurdish region after President Barack Obama said Washington must act to prevent “genocide”.
This is the first time U.S warplanes are hitting Iraq since American troops pulled out in 2011.
The
fighters had advanced to within a half hour’s drive of Arbil, capital
of Iraq’s Kurdish region and a hub for U.S. oil companies.
A
Pentagon spokesman said two F/A-18 aircraft dropped laser-guided bombs
on a mobile artillery piece used by Islamic State fighters to shell
Kurdish forces defending Arbil.
Obama
had authorised air strikes after tens of thousands of Christians fled
for their lives from Islamic State fighters who have crucified and
beheaded captives.
In a statement on Friday, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, called the attacks on Christians and other religious minority in Iraq “horrific.’’
Welby
called on the international community to document human rights abuses
being committed in northern Iraq so that future prosecutions can take
place.
“It
is important and necessary for the international community to challenge
the culture of impunity which has allowed these atrocities to take
place.
“What
we are seeing in Iraq violates brutally people’s right to freedom of
religion and belief, as set out under Article 18 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.’’
The
leader of the global Anglican Communion said the events in Iraq called
attention to “sorrow yet again’’ and a reminder to the plight of
Christians and other religious minorities in conflict situations.
He
said with the world’s attention on the plight of those in Iraq, it must
not forget that this is part of an “evil pattern’’ against Christians
and other minorities around the world.
“Only
this week I received an email from a friend in Northern Nigeria about
an appalling attack on a village, where Christians were killed because
of their faith in Jesus Christ.
“Such
horrific stories have become depressingly familiar in countries around
the world, including Syria, South Sudan and the Central African
Republic,’’ he said.
The cleric called on the faithful to “continue to cry to God for peace and justice and security throughout the world.
He added that those suffering such appalling treatment in Iraq are especially in his prayers at this time.
Welby also expressed support for aid efforts for those who have been displaced and are able to find safety.
“I
believe that, like France, the United Kingdom’s doors should be open to
refugees, as they have been throughout history,’’ he said.
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