A series of coordinated explosions have rocked five churches across Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul, killing at least 18 people and injuring nearly a hundred others.

These are the first attacks targeting the country's Christian minority since a violent 15-month insurgency began, CRIENGLISH.com reported Monday.

Two explosions just minutes apart shook separate Baghdad churches in a largely Christian neighborhood during Sunday evening services, followed shortly later by two more explosions at churches in other areas of the capital.

Iraqi official sources also say a car bomb and grenade attack hit a church in Mosul at roughly the same time.

Many of the country's Christians have become increasingly concerned about the rising Islamic fundamentalism and some had fled to neighboring countries to wait until the security and political situation became more calm.

At present, there are a total of one million Christians in Iraq, making up less than four percent of the country's total population and mainly living in Baghdad and Mosul.

(CRI August 2, 2004)