Iraq crisis: UN alarmed by claims of mass execution of up to 1,700 Shia soldiers by Isis forces
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As rebel forces advanced towards Baghdad, reports began to emerge of summary mass executions carried out in territory they controlled.
Videos were posted purporting to show some of the killings and in one Twitter account, believed to be controlled by the rebel forces, it was claimed that 1,700 Shia soldiers had been executed.
The United Nations had already expressed alarm at reports of soldiers, police and civilians being rounded up and killed in areas taken over by Isis.
Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, feared “murder of all kinds” and was looking into reports that Iraqi soldiers and 17 civilians had been summarily executed in a street in Mosul. “There will be particular scrutiny of the conduct of Isis, given their well-documented record of committing grave international crimes in Syria,” she said.
Among the images posted by Isis was a series of a police major who had his head hacked off after opening his door to armed men.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments