A Stamford man born and raised in Iraq says he fears for his family's safety after a recent surge in violence across the country.

Sam Khiralla says Internet and phone services have been cut off in Iraq, so he hasn't been able to reach his parents or 10 siblings. He says no one has heard from his two younger brothers, or their wives, for three weeks.

Born and raised in Baghdad, Khiralla knows the dangers of his home country. Two of his other brothers were killed and he has scars from an explosion. Khiralla fled as a refugee with his wife and two kids in 2008. Local churches helped them start new lives in Wilton, and then Stamford.

Khiralla says he hopes phone and Internet will be turned on again soon so he can get an update from his family.