BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) – Christians in Baghdad celebrated Christmas in a heightened state of fear after deadly attacks on Christian-owned shops that sell alcohol.

Two shops next door to each other were riddled with bullet holes and spattered with blood after gunmen opened fire late on Friday (Dec. 23) in Baghdad’s Ghadeer neighborhood. Police and medical sources said three people were killed and four wounded.

Local activists gave a higher death toll. Rayan al-Kildani, commander of Babiliyon Brigades, a group of Christian volunteers formed to fight Islamic State militants, said eight Christians and one member of the Yazidi sect had been killed in the attack.

RNS Religion News Service: Fearful Christmas in Baghdad after attacks on Christians