Four workers for a Christian humanitarian aid group, SOS Christians, three who are French and one Iraqi, have disappeared amid fears that they have been kidnapped. This comes at a time of heightened social tension as violence begins to return to that which was experienced in 2007 during the buildup to the genocide of Christians by ISIS. Some have blamed the Iranians, but the situation is unclear at the moment, as one does not know their whereabouts or if they are still alive.
Four humanitarian aid workers employed by the French NGO SOS Christians of the Middle East went missing in Baghdad on January 20th. Three of the disappeared workers are French and one is Iraqi. There have been no ransom demands, and the charity has asked that their identities remain undisclosed for security reasons.
Their disappearance comes as kidnappings have become increasingly commonplace in Iraq. Last year, protesters in Iraq had gathered to demand an end to foreign influence and corruption in their country. It was an atmosphere of hope despite a harsh government response. Following a US drone strike against an Iranian general in Baghdad a few weeks ago, the security situation has drastically deteriorated. The protests have continued, but the government’s response has become even more harsh.
Some locals observe that the militia activity in Iraq is approaching 2007 levels, particularly in regards to kidnappings. (source)