ISIS Targets Assyrian Christian Restaurants in Syria

Assyrian Christians in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah mourned the victims of ISIS-led terror attacks in Qamishli city by canceling celebrations on New Year's Eve, according to ARA News.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for three bombings that hit Christian restaurants in Qamishli, killing 16 civilians and wounding more than 45 others.

"We dedicate this evening to prayers for the victims of those attacks," a joint statement by the Assyrian-Syriac Churches of Hasakah province said. "We pray for our region and country amid the bloody war that claims lives of civilians everyday."

Father Touni Hannah told ARA News that he condemned the ISIS-led terror attacks.

He appealed to people to avoid gathering at any public place in the province "to avoid the loss of any more innocents."

"We hope the year 2016 would bring peace to Syria and the region after years of bloodshed," he said.