Iraqi Christians yesterday faced threats of more violence after Al-Qaeda said Christians everywhere are “legitimate targets,” in the wake of a bloodbath at a Baghdad church the foreign minister called “barbaric.” “All Christian centres, organisations and institutions, leaders and followers, are legitimate targets for the mujahedeen (holy warriors) wherever they can reach them,” said a statement by the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), the local branch of Osama bin Laden’s jihadist network.

The group had already said its gunmen were behind a hostage-taking at a Baghdad cathedral on Sunday that ended in the deaths of 46 worshippers, including two priests.

Baghdad’s Chaldean bishop, Shlimoune Wardouni, said the threat “is very negative; it is very bad for our people (Christians).”

“They could be harmed. It could also force them to leave the country,” said Bishop Wardouni. “But we must be strong, and ready for everything.”