After ISIS Retreats in Iraq, Evidence of Shiite Retaliation
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| Satellite photograph from CNES 2015 / Distribution Airbus DS |
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| Hufriyya, about 100 miles north of Baghdad. |
Dozens of Iraqi villages that were under the control of the militant group the Islamic State suffered from looting and extensive property destruction after being retaken by pro-government forces, according to a study released Wednesday by Human Rights Watch. The study examined evidence from more than two dozen villages near Amerli, a town about 100 miles from Baghdad.
Iraqi security forces have been fighting the militant group on many fronts since last fall, backed by militias and volunteer fighters. While these forces have made some gains, there have also been reports of sectarian violence where Shiite militias have helped retake Sunni majority towns from the Islamic State. RELATED ARTICLE
Iraqi security forces have been fighting the militant group on many fronts since last fall, backed by militias and volunteer fighters. While these forces have made some gains, there have also been reports of sectarian violence where Shiite militias have helped retake Sunni majority towns from the Islamic State. RELATED ARTICLE
Damage in dozens of villages
Yengija
Tikrit
Area of
detail
Jardaghlu
SALAHUDDIN
Baghdad
IRAQ
Albu Hasan
Habash
Amerli
Hufriyya
BUILDINGS DAMAGED
5-250
251-750
No damage
2 MILES
Hufriyya
Hundreds of buildings were demolished or set on fire in villages near the town of Amerli, after the area fell back into government hands last fall, according to the study by Human Rights Watch. The village of Hufriyya was devastated, with entire blocks wiped out.
BUILDINGS DAMAGED
Arson
Demolition
1/2 MILE
Satellite image from DigitalGlobe via Bing Maps
Satellite photograph from CNES 2015 / Distribution Airbus DS
Albu Hasan
While reports of revenge violence by Shiite militias have been sporadic, the new analysis shows widespread destruction in some Sunni areas. Sectarian attacks are a continuing issue, especially as pro-government forces are pressing to retake Tikrit, near the area where Islamic State fighters killed more than 1,000 Shiite soldiers last summer.
BUILDINGS DAMAGED
Arson
Demolition
250 FT
Satellite photograph from CNES 2015 / Distribution Airbus DS
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