Christian Families Fleeing Mosul Number 1,390

Iraqi Christians set up tents for displaced Christian families in a soccer stadium of Burtulla, 30...

Iraqi Christians set up tents for displaced Christian families in a soccer stadium of Burtulla, 30 kilometters (18 miles) east of Mosul, 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of Baghdad, Iraq, on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008. Hundreds of terrified Christian families have fled Mosul to escape extremist attacks that have increased despite months of U.S. and Iraqi military operations to secure the northern Iraqi city, political and religious officials said Saturday.

(Emad Matti/AP Photo)

An Iraqi official says the number of Christian families fleeing violence in the northern city of Mosul since last week has reached 1,390 — or more than 8,300 people.

The official, Jawdat Ismaeel, says the families are seeking refuge in Christian-dominated towns and villages in the area.

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Ismaeel said Wednesday that teams are distributing food and aid materials to the displaced families.

Islamic extremists have frequently targeted Christians and other religious minorities since the 2003 U.S. invasion. The attacks have forced tens of thousands to flee Iraq — although they have slowed with a nationwide decline in violence.

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