BAGHDAD (AP) _ Iraqi Christians in Baghdad and in the northern city of Mosul have rallied to protest attacks on Christians and to call for government protection.

International Christian Concern reports that hundreds of Iraqi Christian families have fled Mosul in recent weeks to escape “targeted killings” there.

Insurgents have often targeted Iraqi Christians. Last week, Iraq’s government promised to provide extra security to Christians in Mosul.

On Monday, the United Nations Special Representative in Iraq expressed concern about attacks on Christian and minority candidates in the run-up to Sunday’s election in Iraq.

The U.S. hopes the election will produce a stable government that could ease withdrawal of American troops from Iraq by the end of next year.