AL QAYYARAH, Iraq — The self-proclaimed Islamic State has voiced criticism of the nativity scene in front of a local burnt out Grand Immaculate Church, sources confirmed today.

“We are deeply offended by these kafir displays of idolatry,” spokesman Abu al-Hasan al-Muhajar said in a statement on Sunday. “The traitorous children of the book show no cultural sensitivity during their alleged festival of goodwill toward men.”

Recently-liberated Iraqi Christians have taken a dim view of the recent “Christmas Wars” that have beset their town, and other areas in and around Mosul.

“We drove them out this past August and now all we hear is ‘We’re offended this’ and ‘We’ll murder and defile your dead bodies that,’”complained Archbishop Yohanna Petros Mouche. “This time of year brings out the worst in some, I suppose."

Nevertheless, ISIS remains adamant in its protest, calling on all Iraq citizens to show defiance in the face of what they insist is religious discrimination. As its spokesman explained, the group encourages the free exercise of religion within its territories, as long as that belief is rooted in the Sunni Muslim tradition.

At press time, ISIS fighters were seen kicking over signs in the neighborhood proclaiming that "Jesus is the reason for the season."