Iraqi Christians huddle miles from militants in Mosul Embittered and afraid, Iraqi Christians in the town of Bartala are pondering their fate, just a short drive from militants and jihadists now in control of the city of Mosul. The town of some 30,000 residents lies 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Mosul, a northern city that was the first to fall to a major militant offensive, and Iraqi forces fleeing the onslaught last week passed through Bartala as they withdrew. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES