Targeted attacks against the Christian community in northern Iraq escalated in early October, forcing roughly half of the minority group to flee to surrounding areas and to nearby Syria.

The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, and other aid and human rights groups have reported a number of Christians are gradually returning to their homes, the Institute for War and Peace Reporting said. But many are reluctant for fear the violence may return, especially with the situation tense ahead of provincial elections and debates over the U.S.-Iraqi troop withdrawal agreement.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki deployed security forces to Mosul in an effort to offer protection "for everyone" in Mosul, notes Defense Ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Askari.

Qasim Amin with Human Rights Watch said, however, that many Christians in the area were nervous and would "probably consider fleeing again," should the situation turn violent.

U.S. military officials point to elements of al-Qaida as the likely perpetrators, though some Christians quietly suggested Kurdish supporters may be trying to influence regional demographics ahead of the Jan. 31 provincial elections.