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
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.