Reuters: Actions of Shia Militias in Fallujah Worse than Reported

Reuters, in an investigative report citing interviews with witnesses and survivors as well as statements from diplomats and officials, states that the executions, torture, and violence by Shia militias during the battle to retake Fallujah from ISIS are more extensive than what American officials have publicly acknowledged. According to the report, at least 66 people have been killed by Shia militias, 1,500 have been subjected to abuse and torture, and hundreds have gone missing. This report is based on discussions with 20 survivors from local tribes, Western diplomats, and Iraqi officials. Reuters indicates that Shia militias have not left Fallujah and are currently strongly opposing any efforts to limit their role in the planned attacks against the Islamic State. What the agency describes as 'America's inability to prevent ethnic violence' has become a 'major concern for Obama administration officials' in the upcoming battles against ISIS in Mosul. A group of Western diplomats has expressed worries that Shia militias may engage in broader violence in Mosul, a city significantly larger than Fallujah, which is home to various ethnic and religious groups. American officials are concerned that a potential recurrence of violence in Mosul could complicate Shiite-Sunni unity in Iraq's political sphere more than ever. A senior Obama administration official told Reuters that this issue has become the main topic of nearly all discussions and negotiations with Iraqi officials. Reports indicate that Iraqi government forces, militias, and an international coalition are preparing to retake Mosul after summer. Currently, government armed forces are around Mosul, but previous reports indicate that preparations, including the setup of the Qayyarah airbase, which is to be the center of operations, are still incomplete. Legally, the Shia militias, gathered under the general name 'Hashd al-Shaabi', are accountable to the Prime Minister of Iraq. However, Reuters states that their main groups actually have their own flags and insignia, are only accountable to themselves, and are directly under the advice of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Based on one report from witnesses of the Fallujah battle, who spoke with Reuters, UN staff, and Human Rights Watch, 'Kata'ib Hezbollah' has imprisoned and systematically tortured and abused a group of Sunni citizens fleeing the battles around Fallujah. Some of these militants have stated they are taking revenge for the deaths of non-Sunnis from ISIS attacks. Access to food and water for the detained citizens has been severely restricted, and at one point, guards forced thirsty individuals to drink their own urine. In total, it is reported that 49 of these citizens have been killed. Kata'ib Hezbollah is among the powerful Shia groups reportedly supported significantly by Iran, specifically the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guard. This group operates against ISIS but is also listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and is accused of killing UN personnel. A spokesperson for Kata'ib Hezbollah has denied the related reports, stating that these actions are aimed at preventing the presence of Shia militias in the battles in Anbar and the retaking of Mosul. Brett McGurk, the US special envoy in the US-led coalition, stated two and a half months ago that there were reports of 'isolated crimes' against Sunni Muslims in Fallujah. Reuters notes that shortly before McGurk's report was issued, the governor of Anbar, where Fallujah is located, reported the disappearance of hundreds of people detained by Shia militias. Iraqi officials and UN inspectors have gathered evidence of the executions and torture of 'hundreds' of men and teenagers from Fallujah and the disappearance of '700' of them. Meanwhile, at the end of June, Mr. McGurk confirmed the reports during a session in the US Congress, stating that 'many of them are not credible, but some are credible'. Mark Toner, a State Department spokesperson, stated that the US government has expressed concerns about these reports 'both openly and privately', and if found, these cases are 'completely unacceptable', and those responsible 'must be held accountable for their actions'. Brett McGurk has yet to respond to the latest report. The militias have denied these allegations, claiming that those who have gone missing were 'members of ISIS'. The Iraqi government has also questioned the 'extent' of the torture, executions, and abuses in response to this new report. According to the Deputy National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Iraq, 'there are a few cases (of abuse and torture), but he says there has been excessive exaggeration regarding some events and some are unfounded.'