ISIS 'destroys historic church in Mosul'

ISIS has destroyed Mosul's famed Clock Church, one of the best-known churches that remained in the Iraqi city, according to Iraqi news reports.

The clock church in Mosul Wikimedia

No photos of the detonated church have been released to confirm the report, however the church has historically been a target, and was damaged in 2006. ISIS has not made a statement about its destruction.

The Clock Church, given its name because of the its dominating clock tower, was built in 1872 by the Dominican Order.

The clock tower was commissioned by Empress Eugenie of France, wife of the last Emperor Napoleon III, for the Dominican Fathers.

She gave the money as a reward for the friars' work in curing typhoid in the city.

According to a number of sources, ISIS jihadists planted explosives and detonated them on Monday morning.

Mosul was first captured by ISIS in June 2014, when they destroyed many Christian places of worship.

The city has historically been home to various religions and ethnicities, including Sunni Muslims, Christians, Shabaks, Arabs, Kurds Assyrians, Armenians and Turkmens.

ISIS is currently facing pressure in Mosul from surrounding Kurdish and Iraqi government forces. The US coalition has also strategically bombed key ISIS strongholds in the city.

related articles
'We were beaten and raped continuously for two weeks': 17-year-old Yazidi girl reveals life in ISIS captivity

'We were beaten and raped continuously for two weeks': 17-year-old Yazidi girl reveals life in ISIS captivity

\'We\'re holding on by our fingernails\': Syriac priest on the exodus of Christians in the Middle East
'We're holding on by our fingernails': Syriac priest on the exodus of Christians in the Middle East

'We're holding on by our fingernails': Syriac priest on the exodus of Christians in the Middle East

New York Archbishop tells Iraqi Christians: \'We love you, you are not forgotten.\'
New York Archbishop tells Iraqi Christians: 'We love you, you are not forgotten.'

New York Archbishop tells Iraqi Christians: 'We love you, you are not forgotten.'

ISIS destroy ancient Assyrian \'Gate of God\' near Mosul
ISIS destroy ancient Assyrian 'Gate of God' near Mosul

ISIS destroy ancient Assyrian 'Gate of God' near Mosul

Iraqi priest saves thousands of 'priceless' ancient manuscripts from ISIS

Iraqi priest saves thousands of 'priceless' ancient manuscripts from ISIS

News
Churches play 'significant but often overlooked role' in helping refugees to integrate - report
Churches play 'significant but often overlooked role' in helping refugees to integrate - report

"Despite providing key frontline services and serving as an essential safety net, churches often remain isolated from strategic partnerships."

We will continue fight against assisted suicide, say opponents
We will continue fight against assisted suicide, say opponents

Opponents of assisted suicide have vowed to fight on after Friday's disappointing third reading vote in favour of changing the law. 

Vatican-backed report wants debt relief for developing countries
Vatican-backed report wants debt relief for developing countries

In the Old Testament, the year of Jubilee involved the forgiveness of all debts and the freeing of slaves.

Christians call upon Nigerian government to take action following deadly militant attacks
Christians call upon Nigerian government to take action following deadly militant attacks

“For this pattern of attack on mostly Christian villages to continue without restraint is totally unacceptable."