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　　LONDON Religious leaders warn that Sunnimilitants of the Islamic State group in Iraq andSyria are trying to ethnically cleanse the region.The ancient Yazidi communities have beenparticularly targeted for brutal treatment.Christians also are fleeing their homes,prompting fears that religions and sects thathave existed for millenia could be wiped out.However, while some flee, many communitiesare digging in and preparing to fight.

　　The outside of Basima al-Safar's home isadorned with colorful images of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and scenes from theBible. Standing out amid the surrounding sandstone dwellings, the building isimpossible to miss.

　　Last month, al-Safar was forced to flee their homes in the northern Iraqi city of al-Qosh - oneof the most ancient Christian settlements in the world. She returned after Kurdish Peshmergaforces pushed back the IS militants.

　　“The Islamic State came here and tried to kick us out of our home and country… they arestrangers in this land,” she said. “The people who got harmed the most by this are theChristians and the Yazidis.”

　　Since her return, al-Safar has transformed her house into a museum of Iraq's Christianheritage. With IS militants dug in just a few kilometers away, it is a brave stance.

　　At the Monastery of Lady Mary in al-Qosh, Father Gabriel Tooma is helping to hand out foodparcels to desperate villagers.

　　He said that for the families living in this old city, conditions are tough. “We don't know whatthe future will be like for this old city, its culture, its history and its faith,” he added.

　　Not for centuries have Christians and other ethnic minorities in the region faced such anexistential threat, said Erica Hunter of the Center of Eastern and Orthodox Christianity at theUniversity of London.

　　“Certainly the 14th century under Timur Lang or Tamerlane, the very zealous Islamic leaderwho came from Uzbekistan, not from the Middle East, who ethnically cleansed throughout Iraq,throughout Iran. That was a great low point. I think ISIS match Timur Lang,” said Hunter.

　　Behind al-Qosh, the monastery of St. Hormizd dates back to the 7th century. It has survivedthe IS advance. Other holy sites may not be so lucky.

　　“The monasteries, relics, icons which are medieval and truly precious to the whole of Iraq'scultural heritage probably have been destroyed if one knows ISIS's track record,” said Hunter.

　　The monastery of St. Hormizd offers a spectacular view south towards Mosul and theterritory now under IS control. Wielding his AK-47 rifle, Kurdish Peshmerga fighter FadiGorges Abid said they will defend al-Qosh to the death.

　　"When the families left Al-Qosh, there were only about 60 armed men to defend the city,” hesaid. “The next day the number grew to 200, and more and more over the following days.”

　　Christian communities that have fallen to IS have been forced to convert to Islam, pay a specialtax, or be killed.

　　“It's extremely distressing that more attention is not paid and the eastern Christians ofwhatever denomination because there are several denominations, do feel as if they have beenneglected by the West,” said Hunter.

　　Religious minorities in Iraq have lived through centuries of persecution. They are determined tohold out against the latest threat, no matter how potent.

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