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UN: ISIS Has Kidnapped Hundreds of Former Iraqi Soldiers Around Mosul

Jan 29, 2026 January 29, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

The UN has reported that ISIS has kidnapped hundreds of former Iraqi soldiers and forcibly relocated thousands of families in the Mosul area. This situation raises significant humanitarian concerns as Iraqi forces continue their operations to retake the city with international support. The actions of ISIS highlight ongoing instability and violence in the region.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The kidnapping of former soldiers by ISIS underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the challenges faced in stabilizing Iraq.

👥 Key Players

ISIS (Islamic State) MENTIONED
Militant group responsible for the kidnappings
"ISIS remains a significant threat in Iraq and Syria, impacting regional stability and security."
Ravina Shamdasani MENTIONED
Spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Commission
"Her statements highlight the humanitarian crisis and the international community's response to ISIS's actions."
Iraqi Forces MENTIONED
Military forces conducting operations to retake Mosul
"Their efforts are crucial in combating ISIS and restoring stability in Iraq."
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi MENTIONED
Leader of ISIS
"His leadership and calls for resistance indicate the ongoing threat posed by ISIS to Iraqi forces."

📰 What Happened

ISIS has kidnapped approximately 300 former Iraqi soldiers and forcibly relocated over 1,500 families around Mosul. This situation raises serious humanitarian concerns as Iraqi forces continue their operations to retake the city.

  • About 300 former Iraqi soldiers were kidnapped by ISIS near Mosul.
  • Over 1,500 families were forcibly relocated from Hammam al-Alil to Mosul.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The instability in Iraq affects Iran's security and influence in the region, as Iran has vested interests in supporting Shiite militias against ISIS.
🌍 Regional: The actions of ISIS contribute to ongoing violence and instability in Iraq, which can spill over into neighboring countries.
🌐 International: This situation raises concerns for international security and humanitarian efforts, as ISIS's resurgence poses a threat to global peace.

📚 Background

ISIS, once controlling large territories in Iraq and Syria, has been largely defeated but continues to pose threats through insurgent tactics. The city of Mosul has been a critical battleground in this conflict.

Iraqi Civil War U.S. involvement in Iraq
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The UN is generally considered a reliable source for humanitarian issues, though interpretations may vary based on geopolitical perspectives.

The United Nations reports that fighters from the group known as the 'Islamic Caliphate' have kidnapped about 300 former Iraqi soldiers around the city of Mosul. Additionally, this organization has forcibly relocated over 1,500 families from the city of Hammam al-Alil to Mosul. Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Commission, stated on November 8 at a press conference in Geneva: 'People are being forcibly displaced or kidnapped. It seems they intend to use them as human shields or kill them because of their past affiliations.' On November 3, around 100 former Iraqi soldiers were kidnapped from the village of Mawali, about 20 kilometers west of Mosul. Another 195 individuals were abducted from villages in the Tal Afar region between November 1 and 4. According to the spokesperson, there is no information available regarding the fate of the civilians forcibly moved by the 'Islamic Caliphate.' Before the war in 2014, Mosul had a population of nearly two million. However, in recent days, international organizations have expressed concern about the situation of Mosul's citizens during this operation. Iraqi forces, along with Kurdish Peshmerga and Shiite militias, have been conducting operations to retake Mosul for about three weeks. Previously, the Hashd al-Shaabi, a Shiite militia force in Iraq, announced that it had cut off the supply routes of the Islamic State in western Mosul. According to Reuters, around 100,000 troops are participating in this operation, which is supported by U.S. airstrikes. Meanwhile, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State, has reportedly called on his supporters to resist the Iraqi army's operations.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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