Mosul, Iraq (AINA) -- The recent attacks on Assyrians in Mosul (AINA 10-13-2008) has lead to a rapid exodus of Assyrians from the city to safer areas in the Nineveh plain. According to a report from the Assyrian Aid Society on Saturday, the number of families who have escaped Mosul totals 770. Four to five thousand people have become displaced within the last five days. The exodus of the Assyrians from Mosul has been carried out in a manner of panic and most families have not been able to take with them their personal belongings. The displaced families are moving into relatives' homes in the Nineveh plain and are being placed in some monasteries and churches.

The Assyrian Aid Society, a humanitarian aid organization based in north Iraq with its main office in the city of Dohuk, has documented in detail the exodus from Mosul, compiling detailed information on the displaced families and where they have fled to. According to Cristina Patto, secretary of the Assyrian Aid Society, "We are keeping track of the families who flee Mosul and we have complete data in order to be able to offer them rapid assistance. Our recourses are however limited to cope with this kind of acute situation and we are therefore asking for help."

The number of targeted killings against the Assyrian Christians of Mosul is increasing and according to sources on the ground leaflets are being distributed telling the Assyrian Christians must leave Mosul or face death. The number of fleeing families is increasing by the hour and a humanitarian catastrophe is imminent.

Individuals or organizations may contact the Assyrian Aid Society to send help to the refugees fleeing Mosul.