Security Council, U.S. Condemn Attacks Targeting Iraqi Christians

A damaged vehicle after a bomb attack in Baghdad that killed two Christians on November 10

The United Nations Security Council and the United States have led condemnations of a new series of attacks in Iraq targeting members of the Christian minority.

The Security Council said in a statement that it condemned the attacks "in the strongest terms" and reaffirmed its support for the people and government of Iraq.

A statement from White House national security spokesman Mike Hammer said the United States remains committed to standing with the Iraqi people to reject violence and resist efforts by Sunni-led Al-Qaeda to spark sectarian tensions as Iraqi politicians move closer to forming a new government.

The bombing attacks on November 10 are reported to have killed at least five people, and follow the killing of more than 50 people after Islamist gunmen seized a Roman Catholic church in Baghdad during Sunday Mass nearly two weeks ago.

compiled from agency reports